On the way back, Julian rode in the same car as Francesca.

Jeffrey and his wife naturally wanted to follow along, to bask in the reunion.

Francesca stopped them.

She looked at Madam Hale and spoke coolly. “Laura should’ve told you. There’s a banquet tonight you need to attend. That Mr. Hadley is someone Rowan Group is trying to win over. You’re close with Mrs. Hadley, so this has to be you.”

Sure, it meant her value was ...