son like a wet towel as she cleared the gi

was far from quiet. The hotel's grand driveway was choked w

n Charity Gala-the single most vicious display of

r worn canvas backpack, intending to c

ame of God are you doin

shredded the genteel mu

rn around to recognize t

han an average family's annual mortgage, Sharon marched down the v

ind them strode Walter in an immaculate bespoke tuxedo, his arm linked with Mr. Hicks, the Wall

her heavily made-up face cont

front of the surrounding press. "I knew fifty thousand dollars wouldn't satisfy a greedy stray like you! Did you

s face darkening to the

hing telephoto lenses fifty feet away. "I warned you that our ties were legally severed! If you utter one

istine white handkerchief to the corner of her eyes. Her lower lip trembl

ocrats. "Daddy gave you everything when you were an orphan with nothing to eat! Why must you stalk us to our most import

ted, whispering behind thei

opted girl the

rn jeans to a gala entra

ing to deal with suc

checkbook, and furiously scribbled a figure. She ripped the paper fro

lenched teeth. "Take it and get out of New York tonight!

the slip of paper rest

order of: A

: $100

ignited with a cold, mocking brilliance that ma

e check betwee

hisper escaping her lips: "Good dog.

ii

p, crisp, and terr

swift, rhythmic tears, she shredded the hundred

wrist, she flung the paper confetti

ked, batting frantically at the

snapped. "You un

y right arm, swinging a vicious backhand m

AC

w never

king around Walter's thick wrist. Her thumb dug mercile

aaa

nees crashing down hard onto the pavement. The proud billionaire was forced into an

Brittan

. Flashbulbs went off l

ing, agonized brow. Her voice was quiet, but it sliced

pire is built on the bo

s own breath, stari

her gaze pinning S

, Sharon didn't just sleep with you-she showed your wife he

d. Sharon swayed, her face t

ed into the smile

daughter you've spoiled for twenty years...

ged with raw, existential h

his chin with

father is, Walter? Look at