Over the weekend, Allison brought Brooklyn along for a client meeting in Havenbrook.

While they were there, Allison bumped into Pearl-an old face from Shawn''s crowd. Pearl tried to be friendly, even invited Allison out for dinner, but Allison wasn''t having it. She remembered too well how she used to think of Pearl as a friend, even splurged on an expensive bracelet for Pearl''s birthday. When people started making snidements, saying the bracelet was fake, Pearl didn''t say a word to defend Allison. She just sat there, saying nothing, letting everyoneugh. That was the day Allison saw Pearl for who she really was.

Pearl, just like the rest of Shawn''s friends, thought Allison wasn''t good enough for their little circle. And Allison had no interest in pretending otherwise.

After three days in Havenbrook, Allison and Brooklyn headed back to Oak Lake. By the time theynded, it was already Wednesday, May 20th.

As Allison stepped out of the business ss lounge, she immediately spotted Joshua waiting outside. She automatically slowed down. What was he doing here?

Joshua looked sharp in a deep gray suit, the cut perfectly framing his broad shoulders. Even standing casually, he exuded this effortless kind of confidence and ss.

Allison walked over, her voice cool and even. "How did you know I wasing back today?"

Joshua met her gaze. "I checked your flight info."

She kept her tone icy. "My driver could''ve picked me up. You didn''t have toe out of your way, Mr. Fisher."

Without waiting for a response, Allison turned and walked toward the parking lot. Brooklyn trailed after her, suitcase in tow.

Joshua caught up and took Brooklyn''s suitcase without asking. "Allie, ride with me. I''ve got two new cases and I want you to handle them."

Allison stopped and looked back at him.

Joshua''s expression was serious. "I brought all the evidence files-they''re in the car. Come take a look."

"All right," she said. If it was work, she couldn''t really say no.

Joshua''s long, clean fingers wrapped around the suitcase

handle His height and looks del

stares as they made their way

through the parking garage.

At his ck Cullinan, Joshua loaded their bags himself. Once inside, he took the

wheel. Brooklyn and Allison settled into the back seat.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to get something to eat first?" Joshua asked, ncing at Allison in the rearview mirror.

She shook her head. "I''m fine. Where are the case files? I''d rather look over them first."

"They''re up front, on the passenger seat."

bet

Allison leaned forward to grab the files. As she did, her light floral scent drifted over toshua, and for a

second, he felt his heart skip.

He hadn''t been this close to her in a long time.

But the moment was fleeting-Allison took the files, settled back, and started

reading, her full attention on the documents.

Joshua felt a pang of disappointment.

Allison kept her head down, flipping through the paperwork, totally focused. About twenty minutester, she finally looked up and started asking Joshua detailed questions about the cases.

He answered every one.

After a bit, Allison suddenly paused, looking up at the window. "Wait, this isn''t the

way to thew office, is it?"

Joshua''s lips twitched. "No, we''re going to mypany first."

Allison just nodded, assuming it was still about work.

They pulled into the garage beneath Fisher Corporation''s headquarters.

Joshua turned to Brooklyn. "Wait here. I''m taking Allie upstairs with me." Brooklyn nced at Allison, as if asking for her approval.