Russell Harper sat in his penthouse office, the panoramic view of Aurora City sprawled out beneath him. The skyline glittered with life, but his sharp eyes were fixed on the whiskey tumbler in his hand. The amber liquid swirled as his thoughts churned. He had played his cards brilliantly, or so he thought. Seducing Sharon Sims and driving a wedge between her and Jacob had been exhilarating,a calculated move in his ongoing vendetta against Jacob.
But as the days passed, Russell felt an unsettling hollowness. His plan had succeeded in part, yet the taste of victory wasn’t as sweet as he’d anticipated.
A knock on the door snapped him out of his reverie.
"Come in," he called, his voice smooth yet commanding.
The door opened, and his assistant, Monica, stepped inside. She was a no-nonsense
