The words sent a jolt through Clara. She remembered the document—Anthony Lancaster's signature as CEO glaring back at her. So James had truly been removed. All those mornings he'd pretended to go to work... had it all been an act to protect her?
"James... is this true?" Her voice barely rose above a whisper.
He nodded stiffly, jaw clenched. "I planned to tell you... when the time was right."
Barbara Lancaster's voice sliced through the room. "Do you understand now, Miss Green? See what you've cost him? He must end things with you and marry Lori White to mend ties between our families—to regain the board's confidence."
Each calculated word twisted Clara's insides. What kind of love demands he lose everything? If staying meant destroying his future, how could she call this love?
She met
