Page 106 of The Contract

I let him have the last word.

Because I need to focus.

I’m meeting Nina at the real estate office, and after that, we’ll head over to the bakery to take another look.

I can’t stop smiling as I step out of the car, fully expecting the driver to pull away, but he stays put.

“Mr. Wolfe’s instructions,” he says before I can ask. “I’m at your service all day, Miss Moreau. Wherever you need to go.”

A warmth unfurls inside me, but I push it down.

I don’t have time to think about Damien Wolfe today.

I need to see to my future.

Walking into the building, energy is buzzing inside me as I step through the lobby. Nina is near the elevator, waiting, and my smile stretches wider.

“Nina!” I call out, waving.

She turns, but instead of smiling back, confusion flickers across her face.

“Elena…” she hesitates. “Did you see my text?”

A chill slithers down my spine.

I pull out my phone.

Two unread messages.

NINA: I’m not sure what happened, but someone purchased the bakery last week.

NINA: I’m so sorry, Elena. I know you had your heart set on this place, but we’ll find something else.

The words on the screen blur as I read them over again.

Someone purchased the bakery last week.

No. That’s not possible.

This was supposed to be mine.

I had a plan. I was so close.

I worked for this. Saved for this. Dreamed of this.

A numbness creeps up my spine, spreading through my limbs as my pulse pounds in my ears. My fingers tighten around my phone, my grip turning white.

This can’t be happening.

“Elena?” Nina’s voice is soft, cautious. “I’m so sorry.”

I blink, forcing myself to meet her gaze. Her brows are drawn together in concern, but I can’t focus on that.

Because my mind is racing.

Who bought it? Why now? Was there another buyer all along?

I swallow hard, the lump in my throat thick and heavy. My stomach churns, twisting into knots so tight they feel like they might strangle me from the inside out.

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