When Love Breaks by Jack

Then, with a nonchalant stretch, he gulped down the last of his coffee, slammed the mug on the table, and declared, “Well, Ms. Webster, you’d better keep that backdoor open for me. If things go south, I’m coming back to crash with you.”

“Uncle!” Off to the side, Ike, who was sipping on his hot chocolate, gave him a reproachful look, pouting, “Don’t you have work today?”

Gregory’s face softened momentarily before shooting Ike a sharp glance, “Little brat, tired of me already?”

Ike huffed, “When you’re here, Jane’s all yours!”

And with that, Gregory was effectively chased out.

After seeing Gregory into the elevator, the little tyke clambered up to me, planting a wet kiss on my cheek, “Jane, who do you love more, me or Uncle?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, “I love you, of course.”

But I love your uncle more. I thought.

…

The night was serene, and the top-tier RiverCity Club basked in its tranquility amidst a bustling neighborhood. Membership was exclusive, and a card could set you back a sum in the six figures.

was just for entry rights; everything else was on the tab. And forget

stark line between the classes, leaving

Alaric eyed the woman dressed as one of the club’s waitresses, nodding in approval yet double-checking, “You remember what you’re

“I do.”

chill in her demeanor, “To stay by Mr.

to

tonight. Pull it off, and I’ll cover your mom’s medical bills. Or, if Mr. Ferguson takes a liking, you’ll want for nothing. But fail, and well, you know the

her mom was all she had, battling

her mom’s

but money didn’t grow on trees Alaric

rumored to shake RiverCity

her allure to a man of such caliber, surrounded by beauties. Her looks weren’t stunning,

her to just go

she knocked and entered the dimly

this one was subdued. Without seeing faces, she

mere presence, so commanding and sharp, made it clear he was no

frowned, barely acknowledging her, “Just leave the drinks and

“Okay.”

she spoke, Steven paused, sharply

Bryant,