His fist slammed down on the steering wheel, the impact rattling the dashboard. Rage surged through him, hot and uncontrollable. From where he sat, Mia and Gavin looked like a couple—standing close, heads tilted toward each other as snow drifted down around them, soft and intimate.
Snowflakes clung to Mia’s hair and coat. Gavin bent his head toward her, saying something that made her nod.
That was enough.
The last shred of patience snapped.
James ripped his seatbelt free with a sharp jerk and shoved the car door open—
Then froze.
Across the street, he saw Mia already sliding into a cab. The door shut with a dull thud, sealing her inside. The cab pulled away immediately, taillights disappearing into traffic.
A second later, Gavin stepped into his own car and drove off in the opposite direction.
James stood there, half out of his car, one hand gripping the door, staring at the empty stretch of road where they had been only moments ago. His chest rose and fell hard, breath fogging in the cold air, his anger still roaring with nowhere to go.
He didn’t move.
Snow gathered silently at his feet as he stared down at the ground, jaw clenched so tightly it ached.
***
Alexander’s phone rang on the desk, its vibration cutting through the quiet of his office. He didn’t look up from the documents in his hand as he answered.
“Mr. Graves, you have a meeting in Denver tomorrow,” Allen said. “Should I arrange the flights and hotel?”
“I’m not going,” Alexander replied flatly. “I need to bring my wife home first.” He set the papers aside, his tone firm. “Cancel all overseas meetings. Move them online or postpone them.”
“Yes, Mr. Graves,” Allen replied promptly.
Alexander picked up the photograph resting on his desk—Mia, caught mid-smile. His thumb brushed the edge of the frame as his gaze lingered.
“Where is Mia right now?” he asked quietly.
“She’s at the office,” Allen replied, hesitating. “But… there’s something else.”
Alexander straightened instantly, tension tightening through his shoulders. “What is it?”
“Mrs. Graves is going to Denver tomorrow,” Allen continued. “She has work there. She’ll be traveling with one of the senior managers—it’s a woman.”
Alexander’s eyes sharpened. “Arrange my Denver meeting as well,” he said immediately. “I’ll go in person.”
Allen smiled to himself. ‘As expected. Mr. Graves didn’t even like her leaving the house angry—how would he ever let her leave the city alone?’
“Yes, Mr. Graves,” he said aloud. “I’ll take care of everything.”
“And Allen,” Alexander added, his voice measured, “book my hotel at the same place Mia is staying.”
“Of course, Mr. Graves,” Allen replied. He had already started making the arrangements.
***
The morning sun washed over the street as Sasha and Mia stepped out of the business hotel, their heels clicking softly against the pavement. Their shadows stretched long behind them as they walked side by side.
“It’s going to be busy today,” Sasha said, glancing over. “Stick close to me so we can arrange the meetings and take notes before the boss arrives.”
Mia nodded. “I will.”
