Chapter 16

Jeremy didn't linger. He walked out of the private room, ignoring Scarlett's sobs. As he left, a waiter handed him a USB drive. In his car, he stared at the drive, his gaze heavy with intent. He'd make things right with Eloise, one step at a time. His phone buzzed, and he frowned at the screen before answering. "Mr. Gibson, Ms. Loughlin has left Northvale and gone back to Bayridge." "Got it." Eloise's parents were in Bayridge. He'd known the moment she disappeared that she'd head there. With Eloise gone these days, Jeremy felt like he'd tanked the deal of a lifetime—restless, hollow, and off-balance. And deep down, he wasn't sure there'd be anyone like her. He'd catch himself staring at her things around the house. Around this hour, she'd be at her vanity. Later, she'd be in the bathroom, washing her hair. Because of that old promise, she'd never let it grow past her waist. He longed to tell her—Eloise, you're most beautiful with long hair. Even his very first fantasy had been