Chapter 2

Halfway through the drive, the driver took a call and suddenly changed course, heading toward the first property Andre and I had ever shared.

When I walked in, Andre had Daisy pinned against the wall, kissing her slender neck.

I caught the flash of triumph in Daisy's eyes, but in the next instant she shoved Andre away, her eyes already red.

Like a startled rabbit, she clutched the hem of her dress and hid behind him.

Watching Andre's satisfied expression, I thought back to the day Daisy was sent over by the Cardona Family.

She'd been crying just like this. I asked Andre how he wanted to handle her.

He didn't even glance at her. "Whatever," he said, and walked away.

I could have disposed of Daisy any way I pleased, just as he'd said.

But we were both women. I wanted her to live with some dignity, so I gave her what she needed to survive here.

Now, recalling all those phone calls while Andre sat by my hospital bed, I let out a bitter laugh.

This was how she repaid me.

Fury churned in my chest. I forced it down and sat.

Before I could even ask Andre why he'd had me brought here, Daisy suddenly burst into tears, as though she'd suffered some terrible injustice.

"Andre, I should go."

"Ash has always been so good to me. Now that our marriage is out in the open, I really can't face her."

"This place is full of memories of you two. I'm just a pawn in an alliance. I have no right to be here."

Andre immediately pulled her into his arms. "That's nonsense. Wherever you go, you're my lawful wife."

Then he turned to me. "Daisy is pregnant. This property is in the safest part of the city, but she can't bring herself to take your house."

"So pack your things and find somewhere else."

The deed to this house had been the old Don's first reward to Andre.

I still remembered the first time we walked through the front door. He'd been so thrilled he picked me up and spun me around.

"If you hadn't dug up the dirt on the West District gang, none of this would've happened."

"So I'm putting the property rights the Don gave me in your name."

He pushed me down onto the couch. We kissed, and left our mark in every room.

He kissed my shoulder. "Ash, once I become Don, I'll sign this property over to you for good."

And yet I'd never become the lady of this house. Now I was being thrown out.

Behind him, Daisy rested a hand on her belly and flashed me a triumphant smile.

I knew exactly what she was angling for. She wanted me to explode at Andre right then and there.

But I only nodded and turned to head upstairs to pack.

Daisy's expression darkened.

Even Andre looked taken aback.

He stared. "This house is the first thing we ever fought for together."

So he did know.

I sneered inwardly, but my face stayed calm. "But the Family's heir is more important, isn't it?"

Andre's eyes flickered. He suddenly stepped forward and caught my arm, his voice softening.

"Go pick out a set of jewelry from the vault. There's a banquet tonight. Come with me."

I was about to say he should take Daisy.

"It's Daisy's first time at something like this. I'd feel better knowing you're there to watch over her."

Absurd.

I swallowed the disgust. "Of course."

All of this was to lower Andre's guard.

I needed to collect as much leverage on him and his inner circle as possible before Durand came for me.

Andre took it as acceptance. He believed I'd agreed to share him with Daisy.

His gaze instantly softened, and he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear the way he always had.

"I knew you'd come around. Once the heir is safely born, I'll make it up to you."

Pray you live that long.

I looked at him and kept the thought to myself.