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“Why?”

“Far as I know, there aren’t any deals that require his presence at the moment, right? So what’s he doing out of town?”

Oh my God… Sacker’s right! Beissen is progressing as scheduled, and Ohimesama is clipping along. So where did Rhys go? I recall how evasive he was before leaving. My unease swells like a tsunami, ready to drown me.

Don’t jump to conclusions. There might be something super hush-hush, above Sacker’s pay grade. Except, what could be that secretive? Sacker’s one of the senior analysts and, despite his long-windedness, highly valued.

Stop stewing.Find the answer.

I get up and head to Finn’s office. He’s leaning against June’s desk, dictating instructions for an acquisition he’s working on. His eyes flick in my direction. He immediately straightens. “Hey, Max, what’s up?”

“Hi, Finn. Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Where did Rhys go?”

He glances at the carpet before answering. “I’m not really sure. He didn’t say. Maybe a possible deal?” A shrug.

My stomach sinks, acid pooling in the pit. “I see.”He’s lying. “Thanks.”

I return to the desk, then check my phone. The last message between Rhys and me is mine, responding to his from earlier in the morning.

–Me: Hey, glad you arrived safely. Everything going okay?

I stare at the screen, willing a response, but nothing pops up. I bite my lip.

Just what is he doing that Finn’s lying to cover for him?Finn never struck me as unethical, but if it’s between me and his brother, he’ll choose his brother. Rhys and Finn’s loyalty to each other is legendary.

It isn’t until almost six p.m. that Rhys finally texts me.

–Rhys: Yeah, I’m fine. Everything’s going great. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.

–Me: Are you busy with a deal?

–Rhys: You could say that.

Doubt cuts into my heart like an icy blade. I don’t know what he’s trying to pull, but I know he’s lying through his teeth. Betrayal burns like acid, and I feel like a sliver of my soul is being sliced off. I cover my face with a hand. Terror racks me that he has this much power over me already.

I finally understand why Mom struggled so hard after getting divorced. Despite her bravado and tough talk, she often sighed and wiped tears away when she thought I wasn’t looking. She still had lingering feelings for Trevor. She wouldn’t have moved to L.A. and stayed if she didn’t.

You could be making the same mistake your mother did. The nasty voice runs frigid fingers over my heart. I press a fist to my chest but it does nothing to ease the pain.

Mom would’ve never wanted me to live her life. She’d want me to be happier and live well for myself.

Stop it, I tell myself. I can’t jump to conclusions without all the facts. Rhys deserves a chance to explain, and I should get the full picture before making up my mind.

Still, it isn’t easy to hold on to rational thinking when Rhys continues to be evasive. He won’t reveal anything except that he’s doingfine.

–Rhys: If everything goes well, I’ll be home soon.

–Me: Does this mean your trip could be extended? For how long?

–Rhys: I wish I could tell you.

Why can’t he?Even if it’s some kind of trade secret, I signed an NDA!

But asking won’t get me an answer. Rhys is determined to keep me in the dark. My anxiety and apprehension climb until I almost can’t bear it.