The next morning, Julian boarded a plane bound for Yonderhaven.

Business matters required his urgent attention, leaving no time to deliver the gift Madam Hale had painstakingly prepared for the Carter family. For several days, it had sat untouched in the villa, waiting for the right moment to be handed over.

Rowan Group branch office, President’s suite.

Leaning back in his chair, Julian pressed his fingers lightly to his temple, as though trying to ...