ab

h the empty halls like the final note of a funeral march. The wei

he bed, the one I hadn't touched since our honeymoon. How ironi

nights, the scent of his cologne lingering in the air like an uninvited m

tion shakes through me like a lightning strike. I pull it out with trembl

detached, but the words that follo

o inform you that your mo

ightly, my breath shallow and panicked. Somewhere in the haze of my thoughts, a sliver of resolve flickers to life. I

to crumble. I need to go to her to

of antiseptic and faint despair hits me like a punch. Her skin is cold, the warmth of life gone. Tears stream down

a sob, clutching her hand.

he sound. A man in a sharp black suit stands in the doorway, his posture stiff but composed. Hi

e asks, his tone

e is hoarse, b

nd him. "My name is Robert Hayes. I'm an atto

ere's nothing to represent. She didn't have an e

s. "That's not entirely true, Ms. Everett. Your mother held a substantial inh

" I whisper, my voice barely audible. "That's impossible. She

ance conditional, placing it in a trust. The funds were given to your husband, Mr.

and, my voice risin

r marriage to Mr. Ryder

r swings open, and my heart drops as Damion strides into the room. His presenc

I demand, rising from the

his eyes flicking to Robert before settling back on me

d. "Mr. Ryder, this is highly inappropria

. He pulls a folder from his briefcase and places it on the table wi

er, my stomach twist

if we're discussing the weather. "It will finalize

't you mean yours? You're only here because you nee

is more difficult than it needs to be. I've been managing this money for years-handling your

sbelief. "Compensation? W

ze cold and unflinching. "I want n

ngs, and I stare at