He spotted Violet through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She looked a little embarrassed and quickly pulled her hand back.


    "Why was Gwyn crying today?"


    Ever since McNeil had brought Gwh to stay with Violet, she''d been doing so much better. Gwh was happy, and that made McNeil more than willing to let her stay. He''d often spend evenings with them, sometimeste into the night, before heading back to the office.


    His office had a private suite with a bed, so most nights he''d wait until Violet and Gwh were both asleep, then drive back to work and crash there until morning.


    Violet poured him a ss of water. "I think she tried to call Victoria, but Victoria didn''t answer."


    She spoke softly, handing him the ss. "I''ve noticed Victoria''s changed a lottely. She doesn''t seem to care as much about Gwyn. Maybe you should talk to her; Gwyn is still so attached."


    Gwh wandered over and sank into the couch. "Talk about what? There''s nothing left between us-"


    She couldn''t help but think of the divorce papers she''d mailed to Victoria. It had been ages, and there was still no response. Did that mean Victoria still couldn''t let go?


    But then, why was she treating Gwyn like this? McNeil''s mind conjured up image after image of men hovering around Victoria, and a wave of irritation washed over him. His voice, when he finally spoke, was cold and detached.


    "There''s nothing left."


    He meant that Victoria no longer had any feelings for him.


    Violet''s lips curled into a slight smile, though she was careful not to let it show.


    "Why don''t you stay over tonight? Tomorrow we can take Gwyn to school together."


    It was the first time she''d ever asked him to stay, and she was pretty sure he wouldn''t refuse.


    McNeil nced at his watch. It was already past midnight.


    Themute from Winding Peak Lane back to the office would take at least two and a half hours round trip. Violet''s big race wasing up, and he''d promised to go with her to the test track. There really was no point in heading back tonight, only to return in the morning.


    He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and gave a quiet nod. “Alright.”


    The next morning, Victoria slept inter than usual.


    Surprisingly, neither Osborn nor Lyndon had called.


    She checked her phone for the time, noticing a missed call from Gwh-just after ten-thirty the previous night.


    She figured she must''ve already been asleep by then. Now it was half past nine, and Gwh would be at preschool, so she didn''t bother calling back.


    Heading downstairs, she found Haley had made a generous breakfast, and Yasmine was already waiting for her in the kitchen.


    Yasmine ced a stack of documents in front of Victoria-the contract and non- disclosure agreement between Stein and V&S Group.


    "Ms. Turner, these are from Mr. Campbell. He''s very interested in our current drone project, and he''s signed on for a three-year partnership."


    Victoria took the papers and leafed through them carefully. Every use was nted in favor of V&S Group. If it weren''t for Stein, there was no way a brand- newpany like hers could havended such generous terms.


    "Understood. Have we rolled out the ads for our game yet?"


    She asked the question casually, popping a bite of omelet into her mouth.


    Yasmine replied, "Yes, we''re now an official sponsor of the F1 ry. Our game ads will be all over the event-on the jumbotrons, banners, posters, you name it. The media coverage is ready to go as well."


    Victoria listened, feeling quietly satisfied.


    Tomorrow, while the rally was underway, Vivian''s racing game wouldunch- V&S Group''s first big payday.


    She took a sip of water. "Get the car ready. I''ll pick Gwyn up from school at noon."