AUTHORS POV

Tessa paced from one place to another, her heels clicking on the floor like a countdown. It was late afternoon, and the sky outside the windows had bruised into a stormy atmosphere. She stopped by the table where Clarissa sat reading, and let out a long breath.

“I’m certain someone is following me,” she said without preamble, turning to face her friend. “Every time I go to the office, every time I step out coffee break—I feel eyes on my back.”

Clarissa laid down her book, concern knitting her brow. “Tess, you’ve been through a great deal recently,” she replied gently. “Between the boardroom encounter and the flower...