They'd forced him to cut ties with Sylvia and ordered him to do whatever it took to win me back.

Eugene texted me, demanding I take down the posts immediately.

"Sylvia was just worried about me. That's the only reason she made that post. Why do you have to go after her like this?"

I blocked his number.

Meanwhile, my plans with Stanley moved steadily forward. One by one, the Hensons' clients agreed to work with us instead.

Now it was just a matter of time. Once everything was in place, Eugene would get the final blow he deserved.

But Eugene refused to let it go. He cornered me at a resort hotel.

"Rose! We need to talk!"

He grabbed my arm and dragged me into a room.

I wrenched free of his grip. "I have nothing to say to you."

"If you're here about Sylvia, you can leave right now. She started it. The only reason I haven't destroyed her yet is because I didn't think she was worth the effort. Don't mistake my restraint for inability."

Eugene's eyes churned with emotion as he looked at me.

"I've agreed."

I stared at him, baffled. "Agreed to what?"

He let out a long breath, as though he'd finally made some monumental decision. His whole body seemed to deflate.