on's

w. The charitable event tonight is supposed to be a celebration of accomplishment and kindness. For me, nevertheless, it

the evening a terrible edge. Along with highlighting the charity efforts of the Sinclair Foundation

accentuates her grace. Her eyes catch mine for a minute before she turns away fa

conversing with visitors and flashing his signature smile. He is

nt of charm. Benevolent on the surface, though, the strain is evident. The

ake. With my microphone in hand, I go forward and the room goes still. Emm

strength of our community in addition to our own achievements. It gives

le deeply and then move toward the edge of the stage. But I ha

oaching events. "Henry Carter," I say, "I have cause to believe that you ha

ction of defiance and rage. Wha

d Nate, the twins, are my children. Emma and I have a

s the table's edge, her face goes white. Henry's composure breaks

nry lets out a roar and steps forward. "You ar

s," I say, feeling the spike of adrena

. "You believe you could just waltz in here and take char

a, I know about your background. The secrets you have been stifling.

e is actual threat, and Henry's merciless nature is clearly on

Don't you dare threaten her." "I refus

e, his eyes tight. "You believe you can thre

ee every visitor staring at us. The matter

the scene, as the room falls into anarchy. The unexpected attack surprises me,

es flashing. You'll regr

ve. I struggle back, just thinking of safeguarding Emma and facing Henry. People yelling,

, trying to step i

ng for a concealed handgun. "Stay away from hi

iddle of a violent encounter, my head whirling with plans to get past the odds. Except fo

ing the weapon from his hold. Panting heavily, he falls to

tare at the gala's deva

have made a strong adversary, Sinclair, even though you

der back into the room; his presence is no longer controlling

alright? Her voice

fine." But we should have a

umph, the gala has become a battlefield and the war is far from finished. Emma's background c

threat is not yet gone. The road forward is unknown, and the stakes have never been greater. Our lives are

etting started. Far from done are the secrets, the lies, and the deadly games. And