Arlene's POV
Three hours of sleep was all I managed to get. The confrontation with Gianna left me shattered, and now Nicholson won't let go of me as Matthew helps me clear out my office. Lorelei and Isabel stand nearby, their silent presence both comforting and heartbreaking. Nobody speaks as I carefully slide each framed photograph into protective sleeves before placing them in the cardboard box.
The urge to cry builds in my chest, but the harder I fight against it, the more rage burns through my veins instead.
"Brooks." I glance up to find Deon standing in the doorway, his expression heavy with guilt. All the responsibility I've been carrying will fall on his shoulders again, just when we'd started building a real working relationship.
"Hey," I manage.
"I'm so sorry about all this," he exhales deeply.
"Don't apologize. I'm the one who should be saying sorry." I move to the desk and gather the architectural plans I'd been developing. "Here, take these."
"What are they?"
