anished the moment his eyes landed on her, replaced by the familiar mask of cold i

checkbook and a pen. He scribbled quickly, tore

ning. Stay away from Aria. She's not like you. She's a good

sult. The spark that lit the dry tind

a shield. She looked at the man standing before her-her husband-and for the first tim

n. "Harrison Sterling IV." Her voice came ou

in the air, sho

mocking sneer. "A divorce?" He repeated it like it was the most absurd thing he'd ever h

ated the divorce, she walked away

nth's rent on your own," he sc

dn't waver. Her eyes, clear and dry, met his. "I don't

med to infuriate him. A dark, possessive ange

can just walk in and out of my life as you please? You and you

voice quiet but unshakeable.

movement, he snatched the check from the nightstand. He ripp

roared, letting the pieces flutter to th

than she had imagined. She stared at the scattered confe

thumbs moving with furious speed. A moment later,

notification. Wire tran

ssage from Har

Take the money, sign the paper

help. It was a dismissal. A price tag for her marriage, for her body, for the child he r

and felt as though her own heart had be

then turned and walked out of the bedroom. Th

silence, with her blood money. I