Page 86 of Before the Night Falls

This wasn’t the attention she wanted to build her career. No, she preferred to use her professional accomplishments.

But Paul was right—it was only a matter of time before this story made headlines.

And Olivia needed to be prepared for it. But was that even possible?

* * *

Tyson sensed Olivia was done with this conversation. He excused them then he took her elbow and led her away.

“Let’s mingle.”

She seemed to force a smile. “Let’s.”

Tyson and Olivia fell into an easy rhythm, bouncing conversations back and forth, often finishing each other’s thoughts. They danced and laughed.

In the process, they received more than a few raised eyebrows and knowing smiles.

Tyson could practically hear the questions floating through the room.

Are they a couple?

Since when have Olivia Montgomery and Tyson Stone been dating?

How did those two opposites ever get together?

As dinner was announced, Tyson placed his hand on the small of her back and led her to the table where their name cards rested. Acquaintances of Tyson walked beside them, chatting about fitness as they went.

Tyson couldn’t seem to escape from it. Everyone wanted his advice.

As they approached their table, Olivia frowned and wobbled.

Tyson reached for the sides of her arms to steady her.

What had stopped her in her tracks?

Olivia turned toward him, her voice quivering. “Tell me that’s not what I think it is.”

Tyson’s gaze shot to the table, and he saw them.

Four roses.

CHAPTERFORTY-FIVE

Olivia staredat the flowers in disbelief. Not now. Not here.

“We should go,” Tyson murmured, tugging her away from the table. “If this guy left these flowers, that means he could still be here.”

Olivia glanced around, looking for any familiar faces.

Who else did she know here?

Paul? Donald?

Terror felt like ice in her veins. It spread so quickly that she shivered.

“Olivia?”

She came out of her daze when Tyson said her name.