Vanya POV
I was reviewing the monthly sales reports for Goddess Jewelry when Marcus walked into my office with a strange expression on his face. He had been helping me expand the business into new markets, and our friendship had grown stronger despite the romantic tension between us.
"Vanya, I have some news," Marcus said, sitting down across from my desk. "It's about Bernard's family."
I looked up from my papers, immediately alert. "What about them?"
"Mrs. Fredrick passed away three days ago. Cancer. I thought you should know."
The words hit me unexpectedly hard. I had spent so many years being angry at Mrs. Fredrick for her cruel treatment of me, for her constant criticism and her support of Bernard's affairs. But hearing that she was dead made me feel something I hadn't expected.
