Under the heiress facade

Nicholas recognized Samantha too, and he could tell she was Hera's best friend from their interactions. He said, "Hera and I plan to go on a week-long road trip down the Pinecoast Route. We're leaving tomorrow. If you have the time, you're welcome to join us."

As much as he wanted to go on a road trip alone with Hera, he knew the way to a woman's heart was to win over her best friend.

Samantha looked at Nicholas incredulously. "Just the two of you?"

Leaving aside the fact that Hera was seeing someone, Nicholas sported a mop of auburn curls and a myriad of piercings. Samantha doubted the alternative, lip stud-wearing man before her was Hera's type at all.

Knowing Hera, Nicholas did not stand a chance at all. He was lucky Hera hadn't ripped his heart out and stomped on it yet.

"That's right," Nicholas confirmed. He then introduced himself, "I'm Nicholas Sanderson."

"Well, Mr. Sanderson, I would hate to turn down your enthusiasm. Count me in for the road trip!" Samantha beamed. She paused for a second before she mused, "I'm guessing you don't know Hera is seeing someone. You're rather bold for pursuing her with such gusto."

as she doesn't have a ring on that finger. Besides, if I had beaten Bernard to Hera, he wouldn't have stood a chance.

confidence. "If you don't mind me asking,

by her question but answered frankly, "I'm 23.

a pity. You're

Bernard when it came to knowing Hera first if he was born two years later than Bernard? He might stand a chance in his

Samantha meant by that and merely gave her a

...

newspaper he had been reading onto Bernard's desk. There was a thud as he demanded, "Why the hell did you interfere that day?" Bernard glanced at the newspaper. It was dated a month ago, and

had just so happened to be attending an international conference abroad, and he learned about the incident on the day itself. However, the conference was too important for him to

the country today, he immediately rushed to Shuttle

crossed his legs. He cast Chad a lazy, assessing look and drawled,

was rendered speechless. He never thought Camille had been impersonating Dr. Shadow. "I told you to marry Camille, so don't argue about semantics!" he