ith defiance. Every instinct screamed at

a. "Sit, Ms. Donaldson. We can't solv

on the heavy wood coffee table. He sat down, his movements relaxed, as if h

e armchair furthest from him, perching on the e

aste time with

rry

ly insane, that Fiona stared at him, convinced she

of your min

case beside the sofa, he produced a document bound

ead: Marita

"For a period of one year. In that time, you will have the full protection of

any and all resources you require. Capital, connections, information.

duties of Mrs. Blake. Attend family functions. Pres

clauses were precise, the terms shockingly generous. It was a deal designed to be

uestion raw. "We're strang

paused, choosing his words carefully. "You fit a specific requirement set by my grandfather." H

e had no way to grasp the full picture. The offer was a lifeli

Donaldsons hadn't managed t

nt and pushed it back across the table. She stood up.

anticipated this. He simply picked up a busin

offer stands. Call me when reality prove

straight. This time, he didn't stop her. The lock clicked open, and she

p, clearing some of the fog from her hea

the driver, the address ta

st time. To get what was h

alked through the grand foyer, her footsteps echoing on the marble floor. She was hea

ifted from behind the cl

ially kicks Fiona out. You'll b

Bette's voice was a triumphant purr.

lute, incinerated every last sh

idn't

en. The wood splintered near the lock and th

al mask of shock and fear. They were disheveled, Bette wearing

shadow falling over them. Her

ave frozen fire. "In my robe, on my sister's b