Everly finally stepped off the Long

Moss family's sprawling Hamptons estate. She limped heavily on her left

st the biometric scanner at the wrought-iron gates. The heavy m

A blast of warm, central heating hit her freezing skin, carryin

n-law, Marion, and her sister-in-law, Cecily, were

oor closing, both wom

he was soaked to the bone, covered in mu

onto her porcelain saucer with a loud c

ver the Persian rug!" Cecily shrie

e walked out of the dining room and approached Everly, her e

aised her hand and slapped Everly a

hoed through the h

a bright red handprint. But she didn't cry. She didn't even flinch.

e dripping with venom. "Looking like a cheap str

"The old man finally croaks, and she immediately runs o

grounded her. She swallowed the bile rising in her throat, refusing to engag

, physically blocking t

don't think you can use that retarded child of yours to s

ded." The word

ad of Everly's

man. It was the feral, murderous glare of a cornered wolf.

She gasped, stumbling backward in her heels,

ly rasp that sent chills down the hallway, "insult Aria ag

hoving the older woman out of the way. Everly dragg

ne faded, leaving her gasping for air. She leaned her b

t from the partially open door of t

her ear near the slight crack of the door. Inside, she couldn't hear every single word clearl

y the end of the month," the lawyer murmur

lculating, and chillingly precise. "We need that cash for the IPO shortfall. Contact Dr. Evans. Pay him

tone dropping lower. "...h

nger bothering to hide her vicious intent. "Declare her insane. Lock her in a ward. Once I have legal guardianship o

e blood in Everly's

muffle the sob tearing up her throat. Tears of pu

ow her out. They were going to

t, blood-bound vow.

he door and moved sile