Ashle

tting quietly on the edge of the bed, the two files placed n

ecision," he said, his voice smooth, as i

ed up the divorce agreement

The pen hovered over

I sto

I said, "there'

iss Ashley, this is not a nego

d pulled out a single sheet of paper. It was creased and wor

said. "I found it last night, sewn into the lining of my

s narrowed. "Wha

ansferred, sold, or relinquished before my thirtieth birthday. No court in this state would enfor

the paper from me, examined the seal, the no

you get thi

d. "He wasn't as naive

hing behind his glasses. Then he forced

me a m

his voice through the door, sharp and clipped. When

said. "The clause regarding Montgomery Holdings

trike it. Th

on was printed and placed in front of me. I read it twice, checking e

ied, I

re A

n. Neve

agreement back and inspected the signature with th

s with you, Miss Ashley,"

nore

le about my m

ged. "Of course. It's

ghtstand and left with his a

trust document in one hand and the

t everything. Bu

rocessed. The Mann family has covered your medical expenses. T

ey couldn't wait to swee

rovided and walked out of the room that had been my

ecret, a father's last protection, and