Chapter 80

Emma stood outside the towering glass building that housed Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, checking her appearance one last time in her phone camera. Professional but not intimidating. Confident but approachable.

She still hadn’t told Alek about the meeting.

This morning was another careful dance of politeness. Alek made coffee, she packed lunches. He helped Charlotte find her favorite socks, she reminded him about Frankie’s parent-teacher conference next week. They were functioning like a well-oiled machine with a broken heart.

“Ms. Mitchell?” A young woman in an expensive suit approached her in the lobby. “I’m Sarah, Mr. Palmer’s assistant. He’s ready for you.”

The elevator ride to the top floor felt endless. Emma’s palms were sweating despite the October chill outside.

David Palmer’s office was exactly what she’d expected—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, championship banners on the walls, and a massive desk that probably cost more