Back in the car, Alice looked at Roger with a slightly perplexed expression. "Why haven't you asked me about my divorce at all today? I know you must have figured it out."

"It isn't any of my business," he said honestly. He hadn't wanted to pressure her into talking about something painful when she wasn't ready. "But now that you've brought it up are you doing okay? Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I'm struggling to adjust to the sudden lifestyle change," she admitted. "But other than that, I'm fine. Honestly, I should have left my husband sooner. He never cared about me."

Her tone was matter-of-fact, but a quick glance revealed the obvious sadness in her eyes. Alice must have been terribly lonely. She always carried herself so well that he never would have guessed.

"You deserve better than that."

"I know. It took me a while to see it, but I finally did. This time, I'd like to fall in love for real." She flushed slightly. "I'm sorry; I shouldn't be unloading this on you."

"I don't mind."

Roger was actually quite pleased that she had opened up to him. He had always found her beautiful, intelligent, and intriguing, but hadn't realized there was so much more depth until today. He was more interested than ever.

He couldn't push his feelings—newly unleashed now that she was nearly divorced—onto her while she was struggling. It wouldn't be fair. But he could use this as an opportunity to get to know her better. Alice seemed like she could really use a friend right now.

"That's what friends are for, right?" he continued.

A pleased smile crossed her face. "You think of me as a friend?"

"Yes, I do. You mentioned earlier that you have a job now… but if you're ever free, I'd love to get lunch or something."

Alice's smile widened. It suited her far better than the polite, barely-there smiles she usually wore. "You have my number. My schedule is kind of random and changes every week. Text me anytime, and I'll let you know if I'm free."

He could work with that. It seemed she had enjoyed their conversation and wanted to stay in touch now that there was nothing professionally connecting them. He was so glad he'd tagged along with Marissa that morning.

Roger set up Alice's new TV and DVD player. It was a bit difficult because Keeley had lost the manual, so he had to look things up on his phone or improvise. She put away her kitchen items while he worked.

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They finished at roughly the same time, and she thanked him profusely. He played it cool, brushing off her thanks by saying it was no problem and he'd be happy to help anytime.

The image of her genuine smile remained imprinted on his mind throughout the drive back to his apartment and afterward. Alice Kelly—no, Wheatley now—was a fascinating person.

On Monday morning, Aaron left for work with a smile, despite potentially seeing his father. Keeley was sprawled in the funniest position on the bed when he left, with Molly lying across her face.

Things had finally calmed down enough that he wasn't losing sleep over work, but he was a bit worried Alistair might cause a fuss at the board meeting. He was technically still a shareholder, even if he wasn't CEO.

He had little decision-making power and no control over his son; that was what mattered. Aaron was in charge now. No one could suppress him again.

The meeting was at 10 AM, so he had some time to kill. He called Aiden to ask about the evidence Keeley wanted him to find.

"What's up, my dude?" Aiden asked as he walked in. "Are you finally going to give me something to do? It's been so quiet around here I've actually had to do real IT work lately."

Aaron was tempted to laugh. Aiden had been spoiled by constant challenges since working there. IT was just a cover.

But now that Aaron didn't need constant surveillance or hacking, Aiden was forced to do his actual job. He could see how boring that would be for such a bright mind.

"This might be a little difficult."

Aiden grinned, rubbing his hands together. "Excellent! I love difficult."

"If evidence exists that Graydon Meyer murdered Lacy Knighton, I need you to find it," Aaron said grimly. "But it has to be something the police could feasibly find. Think you can do it?"

Aiden's eyes widened. "Wait, since when did you think he killed her?"

"From the beginning. Aiden, I know your sister is still struggling. I feel responsible because I'm almost certain Gray killed her for my sake."

He slumped onto the couch, blinking in a daze. Aiden had been following the police investigation for his sister's sake, wanting closure, but Aaron hadn't mentioned it after requesting the initial information.

He didn't blame himself. Regardless of Graydon Meyer's motives, he was the one who did it, not Aaron. But what a psycho. No wonder Aaron had been wary.

"I'll get right on it," Aiden promised. "If he did this, I want to see him locked up for Sophie's sake."

"Thanks, Aiden."

The hacker went downstairs, and Aaron tried—and failed—to focus until the meeting. He'd been worrying for nothing. Samuel, Alexander, Emilio, Carol, and Bruce were there, but Alistair was not. He was too embarrassed to show himself.

Aaron was quite satisfied and wore a slight smirk throughout the meeting. The other board members noticed but wisely said nothing.