“That’s suspicious,” Chloe said, massaging Gregory’s shoulders. He sighed under her

touch. “Why would they refuse to attend the anniversary?”

I stopped at the door.

I’d come to deliver a message. Instead, their words rooted me in place, my hand hovering

inches from the handle.

“That’s what I was telling Mark,” Gregory replied. “That investor was the whole reason

I planned my anniversary that way—”

Chloe’s fingers tightened, and he winced.

“Your?” she corrected sharply.

“Our company’s anniversary,” he amended quickly, covering her hand with his. “I didn’t

want it to be a masquerade, but they insisted on staying anonymous. So I thought… fine.

A mask.”

He paused, then continued,...