use looking tired but triumphant, probably expecting a fight or tears. He f

grief and the procedure had hollowed me out, leaving

softer than it had been on the pho

my forehead. I flinched away, a sharp, involuntary movement.

t," I

in. "What is this, Ga

able and picked up a folder. I slid it across the p

e flat. "The house is yours, the account

me, his face a mask of disbelie

echoing in the high-ceilinged room. "After ever

. It was a horrible, hollow sound, more lik

my parents? The ones who paid for your first campaign? The ones

, forced me into this marriage with their perfect little Savannah princess, and now you think yo

y of my life, that the laughter came again, bitter and pain

ing to breathe,