Chapter 54

Mabel POV

The silence that followed his departure suffocated me. Perspiration pricked my skin as I leaned forward and clicked on the intercom.

“Mara, please come.”

A faint crackle, then her voice came through.

“Right away.”

I leaned back in my chair... stared blankly at the door as Tom's last words replayed in my head. Why did I feel so exposed to his wits? As if he’d peeled back a layer I didn’t even know was showing—all thanks to the tabloids

The door slid open and Mara walked in.

“Ma'am?”

“Take care of this,” I said and gave her the flowers.

She nodded. “Of course.”

"I waited until she was gone, then reached into my purse f