(Julian's POV)
Vance Group entered bankruptcy the next morning. By evening, my name ran across financial news tickers beside the word FAILED.
I lost the office, the villa, and every account the court could reach. Three nights later, I sat on a bench across from The Plaza, visible to the doormen but with no reason to enter.
Aria's check remained folded in my pocket. I could have cashed one hundred billion dollars. Each morning, I checked that it was still there and put it back.
I watched the hotel for Leo.
From dawn until the lobby lights came on, I studied every family leaving the glass doors. Wind found the holes in my coat, and strangers learned to walk around my bench.
On the third morning, the glass doors opened and he walked out holding Elias's hand. Leo wore a tailored coat and
