ruins. Eleanor wrapped an arm around her, whisperin

tairs. A nasty, triumphant sneer twisted his lips. "No

en't mentioned the consequences if Miss Sol

used the inheritance and the marriage contract, the entirety of the Solomon Trust's asset

with the Ward family would have become immediately binding and irrevocable. It

atter what, the money would never have been theirs. Candis let out a choked, desper

e to expose Arlie's acceptance as a greedy, hypocritical act. Instead, it onl

as as if she'd known all along. That o

nce you're the 'master' of this house now, you should move in. Unfortunately, the ma

ind a room for Miss Solomon in the old staff quarters in t

owner of the estate was being

eeful, malicious smiles. A smal

f amusement in her eyes. Then she ga

. It was like punching a pillow. The satisfaction of

f pity and apprehension, but he didn't dare

family's suppressed laughter echoing behind her. She paid it no

ell of dust and disuse, Arlie walked in without hesitation. The furniture

a concrete cell in a place called 'The Crucibl

, unable to meet her eye

lm. The simple courtesy seemed to mak

. She walked to the single, grimy window and looked out at the manicured gardens below. She could see

on her lips. Cold, sh

a quiet, forgotten corner from which to orchestrate her takeover. Every move they made was predict

ked them in a cage of their own greed. And now, they'd locked her in the p

move in the shadows. A threat spoken aloud was a deterrent; a plan exe