Chapter 13

Zachary Evans hurried into the conference room and whispered into Ethan Roscente's ear.

Ethan's face darkened instantly, radiating an icy chill that filled the air.

The executives lowered their heads, barely daring to breathe.

Ethan strode back to his office, his gaze landing on the credit card atop his desk.

The severance payment he'd given Sophia Lowell.

Now she'd returned it untouched.

A sharp snap echoed through the room.

Ethan snapped the card in half with his bare hands, the jagged edge drawing blood from his palm.

He took a sip of coffee, his brow furrowed.

"Contact Sophia immediately," Ethan's voice cut like frozen steel. "Tell her to get back here. Roscente Group isn't some place she can walk away from whenever she pleases."

Zachary handed him a tablet with trembling hands. "Sir, Ms. Lowell has already left New York..."

Crash!

The expensive bone china cup shattered against the floor.

Ethan's eyes turned stormy with fury.

Zachary felt cold sweat trickle down his back.

...

Seattle International Airport.

Sophia wheeled her luggage through the terminal, breathing deeply of her hometown air.

Her first stop was the cemetery to pay respects to her grandparents and mother.

Then she headed straight to the University of Washington.

A month ago, her mentor Theodore Orlando had offered her a teaching position.

She'd declined then because of Ethan.

Now free, she could finally pursue her dreams.

"I thought you weren't coming," Theodore said with a warm smile, waiting at the administration office doorway.

Sophia's eyes grew moist. "I couldn't disappoint my teacher."

Theodore had been her grandfather's prized student, her mother's classmate, and now her mentor.

This continuity filled her with warmth.

"All the paperwork is done. Classes start next week." Theodore patted her shoulder. "Your mother would be so proud."

Gazing at the familiar campus buildings, Sophia saw the promise of a new beginning.