Then I’d stretched, and the crinkle of paper brought my mind instantly back to Elle.

She knew more than I’d wanted to show her. She knew how my temper and sharp need to protect worked against me and filled me with fear. She understood that the world I was from was full of danger and enemies, while happiness and friends padded hers.

It would take a while for me to relax and not search for disasters, but with her in my life, I had no doubt I could find the one thing I’d never been able to afford—no matter how much I stole or earned on the stock market.

Love.

Unable to fall back to sleep with her on my mind and lust in my heart, I showered, dressed, and headed into the kitchen to enjoy some caffeine before heading uptown to Belle Elle.

While the coffee brewed, I collected my laptop from the locked drawer in the sideboard, and for the first time in five months, opened the internet.

Not having regular visitors or phone calls in jail was hard. Not having access to daily news, stock prices, and portfolio updates was torture.

Logging into my charity, I noticed the offsite staff I’d hired had been busy with a local food bank, lunch day, and a temporary tent city where the council had let us do a trial for homeless people.

I had no doubt Larry would’ve kept it running. I had so much to repay him for.

Perhaps, before I headed to Elle’s, I’d take him to lunch and show him in a woefully understated way how much I valued his friendship and support.

Opening the local news, I grabbed a cup of freshly brewed coffee and prepared to spend the next fifteen minutes perusing the disarray the world had once again fallen into.

Only...my coffee cup slammed onto the table, spilling brown steaming liquid everywhere. My heart stopped. My fingers scrabbled at the screen to jerk the technology closer.

After the happiness of last night...this couldn’t be happening.

NOELLE CHARLSTON SHACKED UP WITH A HOMELESS CRIMINAL?

In terms of New York royalty, none come as close as the Charlston family—the owners and creators of the Belle Elle department stores. Not only have their clothes, toys, and household appliances graced our homes for decades, the Charlstons have regularly been noted for their impeccable social standing and unblemished record at avoiding scandal.

When Noelle’s mother died, the country rallied in support and records showed florists in the New York area all had at least three deliveries a day to the Charlston family in condolences.

However, recent events have made the public doubt the Charlstons are as pure as they led us to believe.

Protesters were photographed yesterday outside their flagship store, boycotting their clothing line. Speaking to one protestor, they said they wouldn’t dress in apparel provided by a company involved with criminals.

It brings up questions as to their own moral code and what they have been involved in over the years while painting the perfect family to the New York people.

Penn Everett is the man hiding in Belle Elle’s shadow. Recently released from prison on an incorrect accusation, it’s been said that his previous arrests are in discussion by local lawyer Larry Barns, pointing fingers at our very own chief of police, Arnold Twig.

Chief Twig states Penn is one of the most violent offenders out there, and it’s a disaster to see the justice system fail the American people.

In a personal interview earlier today, Chief Twig also said he feared for his son, Sean, now that Everett was free. According to him, Everett has always been jealous of Sean Twig and there’s history to show Everett places the blame for his crimes onto the innocent young man.

Neither Joseph Charlston or Noelle were prepared to make a statement.

My elbows planted on the table either side of the damning article.

Fuck.

My legs jittered on the chair leg, my heart filling with snow.

I’d known this would happen. I’d heard rumors in prison and had updates from Larry that Belle Elle was regularly mentioned alongside my name.

But to see it in black and white?

To have a prominent newspaper tear Elle’s family legacy apart all because of me?

Shit, it dug a dagger into my heart and twisted until I couldn’t breathe.

I loved her. I would do anything for her.

But they were right.

This was all my fault.

I’d gone after Elle because of my hate. I’d dragged her into my chaos because of my love. I’d ruined her business because of my selfishness.

The longer I was with her, the worse the lynch mob would become.

It didn’t matter what I wanted or how much I cared for her.

Elle had sacrificed far too much for me. I couldn’t let her sacrifice anymore.

I loved her too much to let all she’d worked for be stolen.

Slamming the laptop closed, I grabbed my keys and left.

Chapter Forty-Four

Elle

“ELLE, CAN YOU come in here, please?” Dad’s voice came from his office.

I’d arrived early—before most staff—to finally get stuck into my mountain of work that I hadn’t mentally been able to cope with over the past five months.

I’d kept the company ticking along—mainly thanks to Dad taking on more responsibility and Fleur’s help—but it was time I took the reins again now Penn was free.

I had finally settled my debt with him. I was unbelievably happy. And the rest of life would work itself out like it was supposed to.

Striding into my father’s office, I smiled. He wore a simple black suit with a gray waistcoat and maroon shirt. He sat behind his desk where he’d given me Sage all those years ago.