Regret Came Too Late

Grace was too drained to eat after seeing Jodie again.

After a quick shower, she collapsed into bed.

The next day at work, following a morning meeting with the executives, her gaze fell on a recently released government project.

It promised just enough gain—about 100 million dollars—to be interesting but not competitive.

She tapped on the file, turning over to Zachary. "Who's in charge of the bidding for this project?"

"Some newcomer who got promoted not long ago," Zachary replied. "He's

showing up at a big charity gala tonight. The Sidlers are backing him, if I'm not mistaken."

Politics ran deep in the Sidler family, which explained their disciplined way of life.

Oscar Sidler, the patriarch of the Sidlers, and Jordan had both once held immense power. Their retirement marked a slow handoff to the next generation.

Julian, now at the helm, was running operations closely integrated with

government contracts. Everything followed protocol.

Ethan, in contrast, steered clear of politics. His strategy was acquisitions and expansion-business over influence.

ties to the Sidlers, but not enough to matter much.

seat. If they could land this

attended any public events since her

"Do we have an invite

Zachary's expression turned uncomfortable.

keeping their distance. We're stuck handling small contracts. And with all the

out her

you can get me

I cut ties with the Jensens, I've only been working on small-time projects. I'm nowhere near the orbit of those families who attend

wasn't even going to consider Damien-things were too

he had

bad sign. When he went silent, it meant something was coming. She had to

Julian, and things with

As for Simon...

an invite, and since she had zero intention of attending, she simply tossed it over to

7:00 pm, so she

her seat, Ed

"There's heavy snow outside."

smiled, tapping out a

ready for something

hair was pinned up in clips