Chapter 21

The private jet pierced through the clouds. James stared at the shrinking skyline below, faint needle marks from the IV still visible on the back of his hand. The price of medical parole was permanent exile from Corvalis and everyone who had once revolved around him. Nolan was now hiding overseas under an assumed name. Conrad had been reduced to an ordinary office worker. Liam remained behind bars. A flight attendant offered James a glass of champagne. Just as he reached to take it, his eyes caught the cover of a financial magazine, showing Adrianna and Derick standing side by side. The bold headline read: "Power Couple of Ashford Corporation Acquires Core Assets of Emmons Corporation." James flung the magazine across the cabin. The violent motion yanked at the electronic shackle on his wrist, and a shrill alarm split the air. In front of the blue-domed church in Thalorina, Adrianna's white veil caught the sea breeze and lifted gracefully. "Nervous?" Derick asked softly, not