ng Elmira noticed. It was kept at a temperature

was looking out at the city he practically owned. His suit was charcoa

't turn

justify why I shouldn't ha

ion about her condition. She had prepared for a background chec

use

had high cheekbones and eyes the color of ice. He looked a

rd the edge. "The Scholarship Agreement. Clause

tion. "Carrying my brother's illegitimate child makes you the largest liability on our b

looked at the contract sh

Non-Di

n termination of pregnancy and immedia

silence, her future, and her child. Ac

But it was al

her skirt. "Mr. Holmes, I don't even know

The air around him smelled of expensive cologne and ozone. "You are the charity case who got gree

f I re

r the tuition. We will attach a lien to any asset you ever hope to

t wasn't a threat;

defeat. "The agreement Sila

crossed Ingram's face.

New York if the subject is under duress, which, given the threat of financial ruin, I am. A good

ime, her hand didn't shak

Ingram ca

tered with a new docu

sed off

black Rolls Royce waited. They got into the ba

opened a file fol

, breaking the silence. "You will be esc

ersonal space. She saw his pupils constr

glimpsed the name on top: Victoria Holmes. "I read about her heart condition. Digoxin. Very sensitive to interactions. It would be a shame if someone, say,

is suit. He grabbed her wri

in your fil

nt. "Just calibrating for the risks, Mr. Holmes. You

ching them in the

Silas asked, his voice

o of her wrist. He pulled her an inch c

your luck,

ows, Elmira saw the sterile facade of a private

slammed back into place. He dropped

e," he m

gestured for her to get ou