Chapter 16
Three years after that kiss on the London terrace, Adeline Paige stood in Heathrow Airport, her hand intertwined with Tristan’s as they waited for their flight to New York.]
“Second thoughts?” Tristan asked, noticing her distant expression.[]
She squeezed his hand. “Just thinking about Mom’s face when I told her we were moving back to the States. She was so proud I’d conquered London,‘ as she put it.“]
Tristan laughed, that same warm sound that had first drawn her to him. “We’re not retreating, love. We’re advancing. Kelce & Associates wants me to head their New York expansion–it’s everything we’ve worked for.“[]
Addie nodded, though something twisted in her stomach. The corporate world had already begun changing him in subtle ways. The late nights had multiplied, the phone calls during dinner had become routine, and sometimes when he looked at her, she caught a flicker of calculation instead of warmth.[]
But she pushed the thought away. This was Tristan–her Tristan who had protected her from Tanner’s desperate pursuit, who had cooked for her when she was heartbroken, who had never once made her feel small or disposable.]
“Besides,” he continued, pulling her closer, “New York is where the real money is. Where we can build something substantial.”
The way he said “money” made her pause. When had that become his primary motivation?]
“Flight 247 to JFK now boarding,” the announcement echoed through the terminal.]
As they gathered their carry–on bags, Tristan’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his expression shifting to something she couldn’t read.
“Work?” she asked.
“Always is,” he replied, but his smile seemed strained. “Nothing that can’t wait until we land.“[]
But as they boarded the plane, Addie noticed he kept the phone face–down on his tray table, and when it lit up with notifications, he was quick to flip it over.
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.