the Evans estate

g. She hadn't slept a single min

ed around the long mahogany table.

the right hand of Preston. He adjusted hi

rdered, his voice flat. "We ha

the table. She pulled it out and sat down. She didn

chest to project authority. "Regarding the

" Elodie cut in. Her voice was quiet, but

room instantl

ee cup onto its saucer.

"Drop the act, sister. Bristol is the jewel of this family. Sh

orporate merger. The Lyons capital will save Evans Medical from bankruptcy. Th

e same word Chad

laugh bubble up in her throa

ped her head. Her shoulders shook. She forced t

er voice trembling. "But I'm terrified. I heard Mr

e from "sickly" to "violent" to make hers

t Elodie. "Do you hear that? Would you really force your

other-daughter perform

t. Elwyn was perfectly healthy. The violence r

e picked up a silver knife and slowly spread b

ndifference ma

s fist on the table. The silverware rattled. "Th

ped butteri

or the first time in ten years, she didn't hide

tly. "My last name is B

face tur

t tactic. "Listen, if you agree to this, the family will

paid subscribers. It was the primary source of traffic for Sterling's own me

ut they were also

picked up her linen napkin and

stoo

finished?"

ared at her, completely thrown off

rling." She shifted her gaze to Liam. "Pay off your gambling debts

oked at Presto

" Elodie said, a cold, dead smile curvi

nd walked toward th

cut off!" Preston screamed, his voic

. She pushed the doors ope