LOGINThe words cut. I stared at her. Lucy didn't flinch. Didn't look away. Just held my gaze. "You want to know what I think?" she said quietly. "Not particularly. But I have a feeling you're going to tell me anyway." "I think you're stuck." She pushed off the desk. Walked toward me. "You can't move
I was at the window when Lucy walked in. "Working hard?" her voice came through the speakers. I watched myself set the report down. Turn. "Lucy. What brings you by?" "Your mother asked me to check on you." She glanced at my desk. At the scattered reports. "Looks like you're drowning." "I'm mana
Edward's POV Judge Harmon nodded. "You may call your witness." The side door opened. Clara Reyes moved to the stand. I had called her Tuesday. She had listened without asking unnecessary questions, pulled the footage logs, verified the chain of custody, and told me what she would say if asked. Sh
"And the contract was withdrawn shortly after." "Yes." "How did you interpret that?" "She followed through." Cole objected. Speculation. Sustained. "Ms. Holloway. Across three years of events. How would you describe Alicia Valentine's manner?" "Controlled. Always controlled. She was never visi
Her smile faltering. A shadow passing across it. "Because I want you to understand—" "No." A step closer. "You are here because you are terrified. Because despite everything. Despite the photo. Despite Edward sleeping with you. Despite wearing his grandmother's necklace. You're still not his wife.
Alicia's POV The screen came on. The photography gallery. Museum lighting. Artwork on the walls. I was already there when Lucy walked in. I watched myself from across a courtroom. The navy gown. Hair up. Standing in front of a photograph of a woman whose face was half in shadow. Lucy stopped be
Alicia's POV I must have fallen asleep. Or maybe just passed out. I couldn’t tell. When I woke, the world felt keen around the edges. On the nightstand, the chamomile Edward had ordered from the help sat half-drunk, already partially sipped. I hadn’t had the strength to finish it before dozing.
Edward's POV I stepped onto the garden terrace, the warmth draining from the stone beneath my feet as evening settled. My chest still burned from the confrontation upstairs. Alicia had refused, cleanly, quietly, without hesitation. She hadn't flinched. Not for me. Not for the board. Not for anyone.
Edward's POV The door clicked shut behind me. I leaned against it, chest tight, fingers digging into the bridge of my nose. The frame wound cold into my spine. It was the only thing holding me together. I had just been beside her. Watched the blood drain from her face. Watched her hand pull away f
Alicia's POV I woke to the sterile quiet of the hospital room, the faint hum of machines blending with the slow tick of the wall clock. Morning light spilled thinly through the blinds, pale and sharp. I pressed my face against the crisp pillow, wishing I could disappear into it. My body ached in w







