Alexander pulled a sleek, heavy titanium card from his inner pocket and tossed it onto the ivory tablecloth. It clattered against the crystal water glass, sliding to a halt inches from the restored silver cuff link box.

He keyed the elevator up to the 12th floor, bursting through the private double doors of the apartment.

“Sophia!” he yelled, panting. “Sophia, we have a massive problem, my firm just suspended me, Erin’s lawyers are tearing—"

He stopped dead in his tracks.

The luxury apartment was half-empty. Designer luggage sat open on the living room floor. Sophia stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, wearing a silk robe, holding a cup of coffee while talking on her phone.

When she saw Alexander standing there looking like a ghost, she lowered the phone, her green eyes narrowing with cold irritation.

“Oh, it’s you,” Sophia said flatly.

“What is going on?” Alexander demanded, gesturing to the open suitcases. “Why are your bags packed?”

Sophia let out a harsh, dry laugh. “Are you completely delusional, Alex? I watched the morning news. You’ve been suspended for corporate fraud, your assets are frozen, your wife is suing you for every penny you’re worth, and you’re facing potential federal indictment.”

Alexander stared at her, utterly betrayed. “I did all of this for you! I risked my career, my marriage, my entire life because I loved you!”

“Loved me?” Sophia scoffed, crossing her arms. “Alex, you loved the idea of me from ten years ago. But I am not going down with a sinking ship. My flight back to Paris leaves in three hours. Don’t call me again.”