For three years, Erica Jones had worn a diamond ring that felt more like a shackle. No matter how much their families pressured him, Michael had refused to set a wedding date. Seeing the broadcast of the Evelyn's product launch, the truth hit her like a physical blow: he hadn't spent those years moving on; he had spent them waiting for a ghost to reappear.
"If she's back," Erica whispered to her reflection, her eyes darkening, "then I'll just have to make sure she disappears permanently this time."
At Thorn International's headquarters in Germany, the atmosphere was frantic, the Vice President, had called an emergency meeting of the senior management.
"Michael Thorn, is personally taking over as President of this branch," he announced. "I've met him twice. He doesn't just manage people; he dismantles them with a look. Tighten your protocols. If there's a single crack in your department, he will find it."
