“To a new beginning,” I said.

We clinked our glasses together, the sound sharp and clear in the quiet room.

I took a small sip, the liquid burning my throat in a pleasant way.

Roman set his glass down and looked at me, his gaze intense.

“You could have taken that money and run,” he said. “You could have gone to Zurich to be with your mother.”

“I thought about it,” I admitted.

“Why didn’t you?” he asked.

“Because running doesn’t stop the debt,” I said. “And because I don’t want to hide anymore.”

I stood up from the desk and walked over to the large window.

Outside, the snow was falling heavily now, coating the manicured lawns of the Blackwell estate in white.

“I spent my whole life being a pawn in my father’s games,” I said, looking at my reflection in the dark glass.

Roman walked up behind me, standing close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from him.

“And now?” he asked.

“Now, I am making my own choices,” I said, turning to face him.