Marian suggested they talk privately in her library. Nicole, who doesn't want to mingle with both Marian and Dominic, was forced to abide. She needs to get her message to them. Let them know her strong stand regarding their previous plans.

In a dimly lit and massive library, Dominic leaned in, his piercing gray eyes fixed on Nicole. The sea of books and file-up documents provided the backdrop for their clandestine meeting.

"Dominic," Nicole began, her voice soft but determined, "I've been thinking about what we're doing. It's tearing me apart, and I can't continue this way."

Her admission hung in the air, a heavyweight that Dominic and Marian, who...