CHAPTER FORTY-TWO - A WHISPER IN THE WIND

    As she rode the elevator up to her floor, Nia's mind raced. The gala was just a week away now, and the pressure was mounting. Between her regular duties, Rosseau's demands, and now this family drama, Nia felt like she was being pulled in a thousand directions. The elevator doors opened, and Nia stepped out, nearly colliding with Justin Allistair. Her heart jumped into her throat. "Whoa there," Justin said, steadying her with a hand on her arm. His eyes crinkled with amusement. "In a rush this morning, Nia?" She laughed nervously, acutely aware of his touch. "Sorry about that. Just a lot on my mind." "The gala, right?" Justin's smile was sympathetic. "Leon mentioned you've been working hard on it. How about I buy you a coffee later? You look like you could use a break." Nia hesitated. Every interaction with the Allistair brothers felt like walking a tightrope. But Justin's offer was tempting, and not just because of the promise of caffeine. "That would be great, actually," s