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"And the contract was withdrawn shortly after."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
Edward's POV The call ended. Not because I hung up. Because Elena didn't answer. The screen went black. No ring. No voicemail. Just nothing. I dropped the phone on the desk. It hit the wood and slid forward before settling. My hand stayed in the air for a second, fingers still shaped around the
Behind me, Vivienne's voice. "Edward. Inside. Now." I turned. Walked back. Lucy was in the foyer, mascara streaking down her face. "Edward, I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this—" I walked past her like she didn't exist. Vivienne followed me. "I'm calling the guests right now. I'll tell th
"I'm making you food," she said, standing. "Real food. Not whatever they serve in that prison." "I'm not hungry." "Don't care. You're eating." She disappeared into the kitchen. Cabinets opened. A pan hit the stove. The sounds of someone who knew exactly what needed doing. I sank into the couch,
Her brow lifted. “You saw it, didn’t you?” “The broadcast?” She sighed. “Of course you did.” I shrugged faintly. “Hard to miss when your face is on the screen.” Elena set the bags down on the small kitchen counter, pulling out a carton of milk, a loaf of bread, and something wrapped in brown pap







