Morgan
Morgan woke to sunlight glaring through the guest room blinds, fragments of dreams fading with each conscious breath. She’d dreamt of the sea—of wind and salt spray and the rumble of a motorcycle beneath her. Of strong arms holding her steady through each curve in the road.
Friday. The day of the gala. The day she would decide whether to face Archer Sullivan again, this time with no helmet, no corporate conference room, no barriers between them.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting her fully awake. Kane’s name flashed on the screen.
“Ms. Reeves,” he greeted her, voice crisp and professional. “I wanted to let you know that we’ve finished dusting your apartment for prints and you can return home whenever you wish.”
“Did you find anything?” Morgan asked, sitting up and pushing her hair from her face.
“Nothing conclusive from the physical evidence,” Kane admitted. “But in light of yesterday’s developments at Sullivan Enterprises, we’re checking on new leads regarding Marcus Donovan’s involvement.”
Morgan’s stomach tightened. The revelation of Marcus’s elaborate scheme still felt surreal, like something from a crime drama rather than her actual life.
“Thank you for letting me know,” she said. “I appreciate your thoroughness.”
After they hung up, Morgan sat motionless on the edge of the bed, letting the news settle. She could go home. Return to her space, her routine, her life. Begin rebuilding after the whirlwind that had upended everything in less than two weeks.
The velvet jewelry box sat on the nightstand where she’d left it last night, a tangible reminder of choices yet to be made. Morgan closed it without looking at the contents again. She wasn’t ready to decide about the gala. Not yet.
She found Tessa in the kitchen, already dressed for work but lingering over coffee.
“You’re up early for someone who doesn’t have to go to work,” Tessa observed, sliding a mug toward Morgan.
“Kane called. I can go home today.” Morgan accepted the coffee gratefully, wrapping her hands around the warmth of the mug.
Tessa’s expression shifted to something more serious. “You okay with that? Being alone after everything?”
Morgan considered the question. Was she okay? The past two weeks had been a rollercoaster of betrayal, connection, revelation, and heartbreak. Yet somehow, she felt steadier than she had in months—perhaps because nothing remained to fear. The worst had already happened, secrets had been exposed, and she had survived.
“I think I am,” she said finally. “Besides, I’ve imposed on you long enough.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Tessa scoffed. “That’s what friends are for. Emotional trauma, ice cream binges, and guest room occupancy.”
Morgan smiled, genuine gratitude warming her chest. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Does ‘everything’ include my stellar advice about your helmet-wearing billionaire? Because I believe I said there might be more to the story.”
“You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?” Morgan groaned.
“Not a chance,” Tessa confirmed cheerfully. “So... are you going tonight?”
Morgan’s eyes flicked involuntarily to her purse, where the gala invitation lay alongside the velvet jewelry box. “I haven’t decided.”
“Bullshit,” Tessa declared, setting down her mug with emphasis. “You’ve decided. You just haven’t admitted it to yourself yet.”
“Is that so?” Morgan challenged, one eyebrow raised. “Please, enlighten me on my own thoughts.”
“You’re going,” Tessa stated confidently. “Because you’re Morgan Reeves, and Morgan Reeves doesn’t hide from difficult situations. She faces them head-on, gets answers, and then makes decisions with all the information.”
Morgan hated that Tessa knew her so well. “Maybe.”
“Definitely,” Tessa countered, grabbing her work bag. “And I expect a full report tomorrow, including what he looks like without the helmet. I haven’t looked up a picture yet and I’ve been picturing everything from Ryan Gosling to Sloth from The Goonies.”
Despite herself, Morgan laughed. “You’re terrible.”
“That’s why you love me.” Tessa gave her a quick hug. “Call me if you need anything. Including a last-minute pep talk before facing Mr. Mysterious Billionaire.”
