real mother, not a replacement like Brenda. Her mother's paintings, vibrant and fu

ton, pulling a few simpl

f her younger brother, Leo. His bright, sunny smile was her only a

r. It rang twice, th

opped up. It was

oolish, think about Leo's

ow. Her breath caught in her throat.

y. Richard was sitting there, calmly sipping a g

olished mahogany desk. "What does this

ce was chillingly calm. "Leo's trust fund is under my control. With one word from me,

t felt white-hot. "He's your son

over her, his presence suffocating. "The future heir of Hayes Industries. It is my duty

, your father is just doing what's best for you. What's so bad about marryin

ly rehearsed duet of cruelty

stance was futile. They had her b

he would d

down the fury, the grief, the despair. Her

ard and Brenda exchanged a

tone softening now that he had won. "As lon

alked back upstairs, her spine ramrod straight, lik

shut the door, her bod

, completely

y. The tears had

ely reopened

in muted colors, but made of the fines

, a gift from her late mother, into a je

he didn't look at Leo's picture. She opened

alysis, his rumored cruelty. The accompanying photos showed

ye. "Power Struggle Intensifies within Carlisle

the back of her mind,

y him. She was going to survi

tice. She would protect Leo. And one day, she would ta