mask of manufactured concern. "Alyssa, plea

re done playing doting father to her child?"

w can you be so cruel? This baby is a Swanson! Chase loves this baby."

sound. "Last I checked, I was the Mrs. Swan

hen mottled with anger. Indiana gasped, her hand flyi

oice was a low growl, devoid

yours. Our baby." I watched his face, searching for any hint of the happiness we had o

used. Chase and I... we've been together for months. This baby... it's the Swanson heir." She paused, letting that s

sement of Indiana's cruel words. He just stood there,

ake sure you're taken care of. A very generous settlement. And of course, the family will ensure your... lit

"You think I'll just, what, disappear? Let you take

alk. Alone. There are... corporate implications. A merger is at stake. Billions. This

t what you call it? A legacy

everyone. Especially for you. We can make this work. We can co-parent, unofficially. We'll find a wa

d in secret, while you parade her, the 'true' heir, aroun

ons of his own words. "I just... I want us to be a family. A different kind of family. We'll st

e investors. Come, let's go to brunch. Clementina is waiting. We can discuss everything there. Just f

tely brushed past me, her hip gently bumping mine. "Such a good husband," she purred

ked at her, his eyes full of tenderness again, and then gl

armth, completely ignoring me. "Darling, you look radiant!" she gushed to

mile dropping, and simply said, "Alyssa, eat something." It wasn't a suggestion, it was a command, delivered with a chilling lack of warmt