na Pearson. Kathryn bore her mother's surname, and she had grown up mostly overseas, s

arriage had never held warmth-o

come home, and now suddenly show up to scold me

s undisguised,

ook him. He roared, "You still dare mention your mother? She died in a car crash

bitter and fearless. "Is that so? Saying that to jinx

st, and wrenched it hard. A sicken

m tore throug

her eyes burning with malice as she stared at Kathryn-as though she were

ese years. Now, at last, Sylvia

urself, you wretch. Your mother is dead. Cru

followed it mechanically. The name printed there

's trusted aide, rushed in from outside, eyes red with t

bing cold surged through her ve

d shaking. Terror flickered in her eyes as reality cr

ful words into Kathry

't know what had truly happened to her mother, but she instantly

eyes reddened. "Please... come with

ing another step unless you sign away all inheritance rights," Hannah threatened coldly. "Refuse,

nah's lips, naked greed

er arm without hesitation. The slap landed hard, send

t my daughter?" Sylvia shri

a's daughter. No wonder Edwin had kept both women close,

of vi

Sylvia's abdomen. Sylvia flew backward, slammed into t

pun toward the men who had come with them. "What are

e in disbelief. None of them dared

long enough! That property is mine! You won't take a single cent!

int. Rage surged. She stormed forward, yanked Edwin down by the collar, sm

esperate. His body convulsed as he begged incoherent

than a pampered girl raised abroad. Never onc

her command, the three scrambled away, drag

he villa did Vicki finally spe

r return. We switched her out.

finally eased. She demanded shar

y breath. "All signs point