Gilded Intentions    

Cole sat at his desk, the faint glow of his laptop screen illuminating his face as he worked through another deal, a flurry of texts and calls occupying his phone.

His gaze, however, remained fixed on the live auction playing out before him.

A high-end auctioneer in Austin was presenting a dazzling array of jewels, and Cole's representative, standing in his stead, was bidding relentlessly.

Cole leaned back in his chair, recalling Lina's words from the night before.

"Listen, Cole. Women are simple creatures. We like beautiful things—flowers, jewelry, bags, shoes, and dresses. We like to shop, go to spas, and travel. I'm sure Eve's no different."

That was all it took to set his plans into motion.

By morning, Cole had emptied out an entire flower shop, sending hundreds of blooms to Eve's hospital room.