reement from the table. She fanned herse

ry. "You have fun playing nursemaid to a beast. It's what you're good at

he grand foyer. "You'll never belong in our world

study, the open ledger, the glaring discrepancies in the charity gala's accounting. She had kept her mouth shut then out of fear. But fear was a luxury she could no longer afford. The tea

ey, were no longer filled with de

hat would happen if the IRS found out about y

licker of panic crossed her eyes. "I

u used the family's tax-exempt trust to buy three limited-edition Hermès bag

went pale. "

ery word. "I organized Grandpa's files last spring. I sa

atures. She swung her hand, aiming

, her fingers digging into the soft flesh. She twisted, forcing Ashley's arm back, and

and I will personally email copies of those receipts to every reporter at the Wall Stree

est heaving. The spoiled bully, so used

-dollar check, folded it carefully, and walked out of the Hayes witho

a hearse. A driver in a severe black suit stood by the rear door, his face an impass

riveway and onto the highway that led to Long Island's North Shore, the legendary Gold Coast. The

tand a military assault. At the end of the drive stood the Roman estate. It wasn't a mansion; it w

hall and left. The silence was absolute. No one came to greet he

ers. Two maids in uniform were leaning over th

to carry. "She looks cheap. I give her

fixed her gaze on the two women. Her voice, when she spoke, was clea

Come down he

eluctantly descended the grand staircase, their steps slow

p white apron. "This family is one of the most powerful in the country. That

seemed to think better of it. She clamped her jaw shut, her eyes burning with res

lls were lined with portraits of stern-faced Roman ances

f static erupted from an in

nthesizer until it was a low, me

t o

She dropped the suitcase and practically ran, he

r the cold gaze of the portraits, h

voice spoke again, each w

. Ann.

use he took between her middle and last name... it was identic