Chapter 12

20 minutes later, Albert's assistant, Blake Gallum, arrived at the villa, slightly out of breath. There was a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead. He strode over and said urgently, "Mr. Palmer, did you want me to track down Mrs. Palmer?" Albert sat on the couch, gripping the contract in his hand. His gaze seemed unfocused. Blake's voice snapped him back to reality. Albert realized that he'd called Blake over in his confusion. He'd wanted Blake to find Melanie. But now that his mind was clearer, the truth set in. The contract was over. His eyes dropped to the document again. The black-and-white text laid it out clearly—a five-year marriage where they would fulfill their own needs before going their separate ways. Melanie had simply honored their contract. She hadn't broken any terms. What right did he have to chase after her? What reason did he have to disrupt her new life? A crushing weight settled over Albert's chest, making it hard to breathe. The contract was over. It was ove