r was blindingly bright. The smell of expensive lilies and lemon polish hit her nose,

hed forward, reaching for

the touch. "Just run a hot bath

laina walked slowly down the steps, wrapped in a pure silk robe. She l

voice dripping with fake concern. "Running around

hair onto the marble floor. She didn't say a word. She

stepped directly in front o

p your own husband's attention," she whispered, a cruel smile t

down. "At least I'm a wife. Not a widow living

rted. The smugness vanished,

hts sweeping across the front windows. Dallin's car was pulli

e display pedestal, and shoved Eleonor

t the marble floor, sending razor-sharp shards flying in every

s leg. Warm blood immediately

hands, and let out a piercing, hysterical sob. She shook

night air swirling around him. His eyes instantly loc

he shards, and pulled Elaina tightly into his chest. He wrapped his arms aroun

her leg, pooling slightly at her heel. She looked at the two of

d, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. "Wh

ne hitting the floorboards interrupted her. Eleonora, the matriarch of the Mor

eaved. She pointed a trembling finger at Adriene. "You unc

ches from her face. He leaned down, his voice dropping

Or I cut off the funding for

nful, suffocating squeeze. Her father. He was her only weaknes

y honor. Adriene closed her eyes. The hu

, her voice hollow. "I kn

f our home," she announced loudly. She turned to the butler.

er access to the family trust. She gets

palms that the skin nearly broke. She felt the absolute, crushing w

. He turned his back to her, bent down,

ntirely on the woman in his arms. He didn't even g

n his shoulder. She looked back at Adriene and smile

e was left standing entirely alone in

approached with

said softly. She turned and limped up the sta

r. She slid down the wall until she hit the floor. She stared

pulled out a hidden backup phone. Her eyes were sharp, focused