came three

in, and the neon sign outside buzzed with a headache-inducing rhythm. She had spent the last

veled, juxtaposed with photos of Susanna looking radiant and charitable. The narrative was set:

landline in the motel roo

ed it up

nce family butler, Higgins. He sounded apologetic. "Mr. Harold V

m busy," Ser

And if you refuse, he will involve the polic

ne. They were going to fr

own in fiv

as oppressive. Seraphina watched the city give way to manicured lawns and high hedges.

Estate opened slowly, l

arm weather. Sitting in a high-backed leather wingchair was Harold Vance, the patriarch.

he sofa. Susanna looked demure, dabbing at

ded, tapping his can

nding. "I prefer to st

e dry leaves scraping together. "Bad for stock prices. In

for public relations,

ouldn't help falling in love. It was destiny.

want silence. You will sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. You will admit to... emotional

asked, incredulous. "Thos

any building," Ethan said, leaning forward. "

to own my

said. "Sign the NDA. We will give you a generous severance. Five thousa

. It was an insult. It wouldn't eve

ease the footage of you assaulting m

at him. "I stepped on your

nna said softly, her eyes glinting. "Witho

in from her face. They had e

n," Seraphin

he floor with h

d. "You have nothing! We

ce trembling but her chin high. "But I w

rrowed. "We will bleed you dry with legal fees. Yo

me," Serap

anding in the corner, trying to be i

hurried

than shouted, standing up. "I'll d

oak door. She looked back at

than," she said quietl

e was spiking, her hands shaking uncontrolla

and dialed the number the

t," she whispered int