Chapter 1The Day The CEO Called My Boss For Me

The day I finally cut ties with Asher Vaughn, I changed my number, my email, and my life.

For years, he would send a lavish holiday package—Christmas, my birthday—but he never otherwise attempted to contact me.

That stopped at a company dinner a few nights ago.

His call went straight to my boss’s cell phone.

Mr. Davies answered, his face a careful mask of deference and terror, then stared at me, dumbfounded.

“Mr. Vaughn says his daughter is sick. He wants you there.”

The entire table went silent.

* * *

My co-workers, with their honed instincts, had already spotted our CEO heading toward our table and lifted their glasses in salute. I was prepared to do the same, ready with a professional toast. I hadn't prepared for the words that came out of his mouth.

Around me, my colleagues exchanged glances.

“Sienna, when did you get married?”

“And you have a kid? I don't remember you taking any maternity leave.”

Asher Vaughn and I were not, and never had been, the marrying kind.

I ignored them, rising from my chair. “Mr. Davies, did he say which hospital?”

He waved me back down. “No rush, Sienna. Eat first. I’ll arrange a car; I’m taking you myself in a minute.” He signaled his assistant, Riley, and left the room in a hurry.

A co-worker leaned in. “He’s right, eat something. Rushing won’t help now.”

“What does your husband do? The boss is treating this like a matter of national security.”

“Seriously, why wouldn’t he just text you? Why the whole detour?”

I offered a dismissive answer. “I’m single now.”

A collective, quiet hmm went around the table. They leaned back and nodded, a knowing glint in their eyes.

“Well, that explains it.”

“Young people have too much pride. Wait till you’re my age. You’ll realize you can’t block an ex-husband. When you need him, one text, and he’ll still show up for you.”

“You had a kid, and I bet he’s loaded. Why’d you break up?”

I said nothing.

Riley tapped my shoulder. “Car’s here. Mr. Davies is waiting.”