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He nodded and busied himself with the tablet.

Instead of taking the painting to the counter and packaging it, I took it into the office. My heart rate soared as I pulled out the drawer that held the innovative device Vivian had given me. A company specializing in high-tech gadgets had made it.

No one could see the tiny metal device, which was the size of a pinhead. My nerves skyrocketed as I insertedit into a spot on the painting. I used a metallic paint marker to cover up the device, making it look like one of the stars in the painting.

I put the painting into a customized box, then slipped it into a gift bag. When I walked out, I grabbed the Certificate of Authenticity and placed it in the bag.

After he signed the documents, I asked, “Would you like to pay an installment or the full amount?”

“I can pay it in full today.”

“Wire transfer or credit card?”

He gave me his Black American Express credit card with the name Harris Pharmaceuticals LLC on it. When the amount was authorized, he signed it. I didn’t ask if he worked for the company or anything.

As he left, his phone rang, and he picked up the call. “Yo. I’ll be at the banquet tonight. I’m all set with my gift.”

Who was he giving the painting to?

For the next hour, nobody entered the gallery. The rush was over, which gave me time to calm my nerves.I let Willow take an early lunch while I replayed the event. I had to tell Attikus when he returned. If I shared this with him now, he’d probably cancel his meetings and rush back. I didn’t want him to do that.

With my heart pounding, I logged into the website that tracked the device.

A blinking red dot moved slowly on the map, signifying that Brody was a couple of blocks from here.

I couldn’t believe I had done that. But intuition told me he could offer more clues for Attikus and me.

I set Brody aside to review my financial situation. With the income I received today, I could afford to hire two more associates if I continued selling paintings at this rate. I wrote up the job description and the requirements for the sales positions, then posted them on several job sites.

My business was growing fast, and I couldn’t be happier. I checked my email and saw a reply from the glass artist, asking me to stop by her studio for a chat. My terrarium idea wascoming to fruition quicker than I’d anticipated. I should visit local garden shops to see if they could offer me what I needed. Another idea bloomed in my mind. I could use the greenhouse to plant mini trees, shrubs, mushrooms, and whatever I wanted to include in my terrariums. But I’d also be supporting the local communities.

Despite everything going so well regarding my business, a lingering dread prevented me from fully celebrating. Sighing, I wished everything would be resolved soon. I missed the carefree lifestyle we had in Maui. I was tired, and I knew Attikus was too.

The front doorbell chimed, and I looked up. My day took another nosedive as I spied Miranda. She stalked in with a stern face as though she owned the place. I wasn’t in the mood to speak to her. It seemed my past was taking turns today, and she was a part I didn’t want to remember.

I couldn’t believe Attikus had dated her. Then again, her family was wealthy, and she probably ran in his circle. Perhaps I should give her a chance. Her post about Attikus and me had benefited us. She seemed professional and had grown up a lot. Maybe she’d experienced something that had changed her attitude.

Miranda stepped up to the desk and smirked. Her demeaning expression from years ago was on full display again. This was the Miranda I remembered.

“Where’s Attikus?” she demanded in a rude tone.

“Working,” I said.“Is there something I can help you with?”

“Well, he’s not at the museum. Where is he?”

Agitation pumped off her body. What had happened to her?

She glanced aroundthe gallery, muttering something to herself before whipping her gaze back at me. “I need him to pay child support.”

What?

I gaped at her. “Attikus doesn’t have any children.” Not that he’d told me. And his mother and sister would’ve mentioned it.

Miranda stepped closer to the counter. Her pupils were dilated, but her irises were dull. When she turned, I saw a rash on the side of her neck.

“He has a boy with me. I never told him, but now I need him to pay up.”

“Where’s the kid?” I asked.