I glanced at the elevator, then at him. Tracy had gotten so furious she’d actually pulled a knife on someone. And if Isabelle Lynn ever snapped, she’d be even crazier than Tracy.

“I’ll go with you,” I said. In that moment, it wasn’t even a real choice. Whoever could keep me safe and give me a place to stay–that’s who I should stick with.

Edward’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. He stepped back and opened the car door.

I bent down and got in. Edward walked around and joined me inside.

The driver asked for an address, and then we were off.

I sat quietly, gazing out the window at the scenery passing by. Edward didn’t say a word either, just leaned back with his eyes closed, resting.

When the car passed through the gate to the courtyard, it came to a stop.

Edward got out first, then looked back at me and said, “Come on out.”

I stepped out and found myself in a peaceful little courtyard. The clever details and thoughtful touches in every corner made this place truly breathtaking.

Edward stopped and turned back to me. “Don’t worry. This is just one of my places, not my main house.”

I followed him right away. After everything that had happened, the sky was starting to darken.

The pathway lights and vintage lanterns in the garden slowly came to life, casting a gentle glow all around.

Edward, tall and lean, seemed to melt into the golden light, and there was just something about him in that moment that was impossible to put into words.

I knew I shouldn’t let myself think about him that way, but sometimes, just looking at him made my heart race. The more I tried to hold it back, the more it felt like there was a wild animal inside me, desperate to break free.

“What’s up?” Edward caught me zoning out in the courtyard and came back over to me.

My heart gave a little jump. I quickly said, “It’s nothing. Sorry to bother you, but I’ll be staying here tonight.”

Edward chuckled softly. “What do you want to eat? I’ll have someone bring it over.”

I couldn’t think of anything in particular at the moment, so I just said quietly, “Something light would be fine.”

Edward pulled out his phone and made a call.

The furniture inside was all crafted from wood–smooth, glossy, and obviously pricey. I couldn’t even name half the types just by looking at them.

Edward turned on the heat, shrugged off his coat and tossed it onto the sofa, then went to boil water for tea.

I pulled out my phone and sent Aiden a quick text, reminding him to stay safe.

Aiden replied almost instantly, “Sis, Sophia just got fired.”

I shot back, “Really? That’s too bad.”

I could almost picture Aiden scratching his head, totally confused.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Sophia Langley calling.

I hesitated for a second, then picked up.

Sophia Langley’s voice was hoarse, like she’d been crying for hours and was completely worn out. “Victoria, I lost my job. Was this your doing?”

I kept my voice cool. “It’s not my problem.”

“Don’t try to wash your hands of this. I did my homework—our biggest boss’s last name is Jennings, and your ex–boyfriend’s last name was Jennings too, right? You two must be related. Victoria, you’re despicable. Karma’s going to get you, just wait.” Sophia was dumping all her anger on me. It was obvious her day had been a disaster.

“What’s the big deal about losing your job? Didn’t you already land yourself a sugar daddy?” I sneered.

“He won’t answer my calls, he blocked me everywhere, and now he’s just vanished! Why is this happening? Was this you too? Victoria, what the hell do you want from me?” Sophia sounded completely desperate.

“I didn’t do any of that, so stop blaming me,” I said. Just then, I spotted Edward coming over with a cup of tea, so I quickly hung up.

Edward sat down beside me on the couch and set the tea in front of me. “Who was that?”

I told him straight, “My brother’s girlfriend. Looks like her sugar daddy’s gone off the grid.”

Edward replied coolly, “She’s still young, doesn’t really know the rules yet. It’s normal for her to get fooled.”

I met his gaze. “You weren’t helping me out behind the scenes, were you?”

Edward gave a small laugh. “I only fired her, didn’t do anything else.”