THE EMPTY CHAIR AT HER SISTER’S WEDDING WAS SUPPOSED TO PROVE HER FIANCÉ HAD LEFT HER—BUT WHEN A QUIET STRANGER SAT BESIDE HER, KORA NEVER IMAGINED HE OWNED THE HOTEL, OR THAT HIS FAMILY WAS ALREADY PLANNING THE MARRIAGE THAT COULD DESTROY THEM BOTH

out, saw him, and gave him the small respectful nod staff give people they have been instructed to respect.

He did not return the nod.

He kept his eyes on Kora.

“What is your name?” she asked.

“Liam.”

He hesitated again, half a beat.

The way a person hesitates when his full name carries information he has decided not to volunteer.

He set the clipboard on continue reading …