---- Chapter 9 I turned to look out the window. The streets bustled with traffic and the constant movement of people. Everyone out there had their own story. Mine, however, had been torn apart and rewritten into something I could hardly recognize, all because of Ambrose. His apology meant nothing. It could never make up for the hurt he had caused me. After that day, Ambrose vanished. But from time to time, I'd catch sight of him at the gallery. He'd stand off in the distance, watching me in silence. Occasionally, he'd buy a painting or two. Yet, I couldn't help but scoff at what he thought was affection. ---- Not long after, I changed jobs. I rented a small space downtown and opened a cafe of my own. The smell of coffee lingered in the air. Each day, I'd meet people from all walks of life. Life grew busy for me. At last, Ambrose faded from my life. Still, news about him would reach me now and then. Kendrick pretended to take a sip from his cup before finally speaking. "T heard Ambrose got married," he stated deliberately. Without raising my head, I continued to wipe the coffee mug and replied flatly, "Okay. And?" It seemed like he missed the irritation in my voice because he continued, "It was a business deal. The ---- Sinclairs arranged it. "But on the wedding day, Nellie, that madwoman, crashed it and caused a big scene. Word is, she got beat up pretty bad by the bride's family." I finally set the mug down and flashed him a fake smile. "Did you come all the way here just to tell me that?" Kendrick cleared his throat, trying to mask the amusement in his eyes. "What? I just think I got lucky. If Nellie had flipped out at my wedding, you'd have been the one embarrassed." I rolled my eyes in response. I wasn't about to waste my breath talking to him. Thorne Corporation had been around for ages. Nellie might be unhinged, but even she wouldn't dare cause trouble at a Thorne wedding. Even if she were to show up at the venue, she wouldn't