The scent of his expensive cologne mixed with the damp smell of the rain.

“Your mind needs to rest after everything you have been through.”

He put his arm around my waist and guided me into the living room.

A fire was crackling in the hearth, though the room felt freezing to me.

“Sit,” Jared said, gesturing to the velvet armchair.

“I will have the housekeeper bring you that tea.”

I sat down, folding my hands in my lap to hide their shaking.

Jared sat opposite me on the matching sofa, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

He looked at me with an intensity that made my stomach turn.

“I spoke with the board at Harlan Media today,” he said quietly.

I kept my face blank, nodding slowly.

“They are very concerned about your health, Shelby.”

“Are they?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said, sighing.

“The rumors about your breakdown at the gallery opening have started to leak to the press.”

He watched me closely, watching for a reaction.

“Our stock took a minor hit this afternoon,” he continued.