ee root, her vision swimming. She hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. The adren

glyc

adstone to steady herself. Ahead, a s

ed in a black trench coat that cost more than her father's bail. A bodyguard held a

n St

step. Her heel c

d tilted

he ground. Instead, she felt a

was being held up, not gently, but efficiently.

winter ocean, stared down at her. There

thes pressing against his dry coat with disti

t, A

sharp, crackin

covered in wool blankets. Grandmother Stark.

girl," the old wom

go, but his grip didn't so

't a qu

white. She had seconds before the darkness

ng on my shoes

hispered, the darkness closing in. "My value

led back. Sh

unconscious form with one arm. He look

cane on the wet pavement. "Put her in the car. Even when

rm

g Eleonora felt. Then t

-colored leather, wrapped in a cashmere blank

ething on an iPad, a stylus moving efficie

de her. She shoved a thermos cup into Eleonora's hand

her throat, but the sugar hit her bloo

the cup. "

said, skipping pleasantries. "But I

n. She looked at Alden.

ry liquidity cr

g onto hers. "Your father's Ponzi scheme isn't a 'li

d his gaze. "That is exactly wh

ker of amusement-or perhaps sco

lean record, an old name, and perfect manners to satisfy your grandm

affordable. I have no leverage, which means I will be obedient.

. The grandmother l

in the quiet cabin. He leaned forward, invading her

elf like a bad stock o

tructuring opportunity. If you inject

retu

," she said. "I will ensure he

d at her wet hair, her determined jaw, the fire

the intercom. He didn't look away fro