Chapter 59

Something stirred in Howard's chest, an emotion beyond his control. Something was quietly slipping out of his hand, though he had yet to realize it. Finally, Howard opened his eyes. They were calm and unreadable. Megan's tricks couldn't fool him. They'd been together for seven years. He knew her inside out. She would never leave him. Howard drove back to Larson Group and continued work as usual. It felt as if nothing had happened, but something in the air had shifted. There was a "ding" as he received an email. Howard clicked on it. It was an invitation to a charity gala tomorrow at 7:00 pm. The message politely urged him to attend, noting he could bring a companion. A moment later, Howard received a text from Alyssa. "Howard, I heard Ferrell Group is hosting a charity gala. I really want to do something for the sick, but I wasn't invited. Do you have a spot? Can you take me with you?" Howard rarely joined such events. In seven years, he had only attended three. Usually, p