na

es. I drifted in and out of consciousness. The gent

voice murmured. "Just a lot

he. I remembered Clayton' s furious grip

voice said. "He personally ensured she was

ords seemed to hang i

ospital room. White sheets, sterile smell.

ly. "Try not to move too much. You have s

eaned closer. "He truly was worried, Mrs. Chase. He told them to sp

h churn. My jaw was too sore to c

f I ate. After everything. After letting Kiarra tear down my

opened.

, a stark contrast to my bruised and bro

aden with a spoonful of broth, came toward

said, his voice soft, almos

, but swallowed the bro

rse. "So I can be strong enoug

e difficult, Alana. Kiarra was upset. You shou

was blaming me. Stil

d. My spirit

d, "it's become a mess. Your... incident... at the party. It'

ox. He opened it. Inside, a diamond necklace glittered, ca

u," he said. "T

rlfriend break my arm? For letting her bulldoze my

s just hurt. She got carried away. And the house... that w

asked, cutting to the chase. I

ous. "Kiarra wants you to issue

cold. "An apo

t. "And she wants you to state that you wer

led. An affair? With Kiarra's e

stain my reputation. To make it look l

k. The shock wa

it will give us grounds for a quick, quiet divorce. With minimal fuss. Y

choked sound. "You want me to lie? To sl

. It'll make things easier for everyon

ords burning my throat. "One who actually loves you. One

think I love you, Alana? I had a... fondness. An affection. Y

with disdain, "is not enough to sacrifice Kiarra for.

bate was useless. There was nothing lef

ng to sign the statement? Or are we going

difficult. He would ruin me. He would r

pped. Bro

nock on the door

od there. Her gaze, sharp and assessing

emanded, her voice like steel.

yance crossing his face. "Mother. W

ed him, walking straight to my bedside. She took my hand

ed a we

about Kiarra Nolan's antics last night. And the statements you're tryi

ra was just-"

"She has no class. No substance. And she will never be a Chase. She is a disgrace to t

ilent. Clayton'

Her eyes met mine. A silent