Applause broke out — scattered at first, then more enthusiastic as the staff registered the news. Emily blushed, shaking hands with a few department heads nearby. Stefan accepted the congratulations with a polite nod, his gaze still occasionally flicking toward Alana.

Alana clapped too — because she had to — but her hands moved slowly, mechanically.

She could feel her pulse hammering. Of course. Of course he’d do this. Take the job he once said he’d never want — just so he could be ...