Tonight’s dress was simple. Pink cotton with tiny lace overlays. Something any guest of the resort might wear to dinner. She was certainly looking the part.

James and Libby greeted them warmly as they stepped into the car that had been ordered for them. “I thought we’d go where cameras won’t bother us in case any of those spineless paparazzi don’t heed the warning they’ve been given. We’ll dine on the beach tonight. There’s a chef visiting a local restaurant, and he’s agreed to serve us.”

“It’s not allowed,” Aria said, feeling sorry to disappoint them. “There is no place on any of the beaches this time of the evening that will let you dine.”

“I wish there were a way to say this without sounding obnoxiously arrogant.” Libby covered her face with her hands. “But when you are a billionaire, the rules tend to bend some.”

Another day, with other people, Aria would have found the idea repugnant. She’d grown bitter by the entitled rich monsters parading around the resort. But James and Libby seemed different. If they wanted to dine on the beach for an ounce of privacy, then didn’t they deserve it?

“It sounds like it’ll be lovely,” Aria said, letting them off the hook. “There is a gorgeous cove not far from here where the waves are calm and the wind is blocked by the bluffs. Do you think your chef would like that kind of spot?”

James nodded. “He’s following us with everything he needs. I was hoping you’d have a recommendation.”

Aria relayed the directions to the driver, and when they reached the beach everyone kicked off their sandals. “We’ll go for a walk while you set up,” James instructed the chef and his team who dutifully hopped into action.

Libby slid under James’s arm and strolled a few feet in front of Monroe and Aria. As if it were an old habit he loved, Monroe reached for Aria’s hand and held it comfortably in his. “You picked a good spot. I know some of this is weird for you. You have strong and well-earned views about servitude and class divisions. Some people, no matter how much money they do or don’t have, are just bastards. But some are not.”

“I know,” she conceded. “I’m surprised I’m enjoying myself. It was strange finding out you were as wealthy as you are though. I thought when you arrived you were a journalist or something. I had no idea until Libby told me you’re some brilliant business mogul.”

“That’s a kinder title than I probably deserve. But I appreciate her endorsement. I have made sacrifices and hard choices to get where I am. I’ve gained a lot, but I’ve lost some things too.”

Libby giggled as she overheard them. “I was just repeating what I’d heard about you. Apparently you have the Midas touch. If Monroe blesses a deal it’s certain to be successful. If he tells you to run the other way, lace up your sneakers and get out of there.”

Monroe looked away embarrassed, which Aria found adorable. “I’ve made my share of mistakes. Good batting average, sure, but far from perfect.”

“Speaking of which,” James cut in, “I suppose it’s as good a time as any to break the news to these lovely ladies.”

“What news?” Libby asked, stopping her stroll and turning to face Monroe and Aria.

Aria held her breath and readied herself for the excitement of her world changing.

James dropped his head. “I know you were enjoying the resort. Dare I say falling in love with it? Monroe gave me the write-up today. It’s too much of a liability to get involved with this property. We’re lacing our sneakers and running in the other direction.”

Aria felt like she’d been struck in the chest. Every free moment in her mind had wandered to the idea that Monroe and James West would swoop in and buy the resort. They’d right the wrongs. Aria’s future could be woven together with that success. Now it felt like someone had pulled the frayed end and began unraveling it at a frenzied pace.

“No,” Libby said, stomping her foot. “I was indeed falling in love with this place. I had already started to think about what changes we’d make. Why won’t it work out?”

James sighed as he explained. “West Oil can’t get mixed up with any PR issues, especially those involving the treatment of employees. Monroe saved us an enormous headache by digging into the issues involving hiring and employment practices here. There’s been some real dodgy stuff going on for years.”

“So fix it,” Libby pouted. “You can turn it around quickly. Turn that PR issue into a win. You’ll be heroes.”

Aria fought back the tears as Libby’s words gave her a bit of hope. Surely two smart people like Monroe and James could whip this place into shape.

“Unfortunately,” Monroe interjected, “the resort can’t run in the green if we reform the staffing issues. The only way this place stays afloat is running its employees ragged and not paying them a fair wage. Change that and the profits evaporate. It’s a lose/lose.”

“There is a silver lining,” James said, taking Libby’s hand. “Monroe has isolated some potential property on the other side of the island. We can scoop it up now and when word spreads about the impending tax code changes people will flock here. We can either build a property that rivals this resort and give people a new option when coming to the island, or we can sell the land for a significant profit. It’s brilliant really. On paper I probably would’ve come here and bought the Carle De Blu without a second thought. The things Monroe discovered wouldn’t have been detected by some finance guy in an office.”

Aria’s mouth went dry, as though all the sand on this beach had been poured between her lips. “How do any of the people working at the resort win?” she edged out, her body rigid as she backed away from all three of them.

“Well—” James began but Monroe stepped in abruptly.

“Aria, you have nothing to worry about. You and I will leave here and put it behind us. And the people who gave me the information I needed, I’ll make sure they’re compensated as well. Just relax.”

The vagueness in his statement spoke volumes. Logic told him she wouldn’t be relaxed, so he struck a preemptive blow in telling her to calm down. She reached a hand up and slapped his face, the sting lingering on her palm as she began to cry. “I’m an employee here,” she said, answering the question Libby didn’t have a chance to ask. “I’m one of these people they pay pennies and work nearly to death. No sick time. Lies and red tape. Despicable contracts that make us prisoners here. I’d resigned myself to it, and then I met Monroe. The man who was so interested in what was really going on here.”

“I was,” Monroe said, his hand resting on his cheek, his eyes filled with shock.

“As a means to your own ends,” she chastised. “You acted like you cared about the people here. About me.” She twisted her hands in her hair and held her head tightly, trying to make sense of it. She played back every word spoken between the two of them. “This was all about money? About a deal you were going to make?”

“I told you that’s what I do,” Monroe challenged. “I also told you I’d take you from here. I do care about you. I would never let you languish here. You won’t work one more day on that resort. I’ll see to that.”

“You idiot,” Libby said, her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. “You’re missing the point entirely.”

And just like that, Aria was no longer stranded on an isolated island. Libby’s words had restored the slightest bit of air to her lungs. “I’m going back. Back to my job. Back to the life I had before we met. If you care for me at all, if any of that was real, then do me the kindness of leaving me alone. Let me be.”

“You’re being foolish,” Monroe said with a rapid nervous breath. “I never said I was buying the resort. I never said I could fix everything. I committed to helping you and the people who were willing to share information with me. I’m not some hero. I can’t fix everything going on here.”

“You can’t,” Aria agreed. “It was reckless of me to expect you to. Don’t think you have to walk around feeling bad. You can leave with a clear conscience. As long as you leave.” She spun away from him and began to quickly walk toward the wooden steps that led to the road.

“Let her go,” Libby commanded, and Aria felt a wave of relief crash over her. It wasn’t easy walking away from Monroe. If he begged her, if he pleaded, she might give in. And the only thing worse than the hurt she felt now was the hurt she could expect in her future if she didn’t walk away.