Chapter 4

Grace took the silver ring, her fingers trembling slightly. "My lady, what are you planning to do?"

"Cut him off at the knees," I said, my voice flat and cold. "All Philip cares about is the Stanton money.

"It's his way into real power. I'm taking that away from him.

"And send someone to the bank. Withdraw every cent under my name. Every last coin.

"Don't leave the Hayes family a single penny."

Grace's eyes lit up with understanding. "Yes, my lady."

She turned to leave, but I stopped her. "Grace. Not a word of this to anyone. Absolute secrecy."

"And there's one more thing." I leaned close and whispered in her ear.

She nodded firmly. "Leave it to me. I'll see to it myself."

After she left, it was just Andrew and me in the quiet room. I held him close and hummed softly.

There was no love left in me for Philip. No longing, no regret. Only hatred, deep and cold.

I wanted him ruined. Stripped of everything.

I wanted him to beg forgiveness for the child he wanted to destroy and the years I wasted on him.

By evening, Grace returned with news and a visitor.

She said, "My lady, it's all handled.

"Kevin Brown at the Golden Exchange worked through the night. Every deed will be transferred to Andrew by tomorrow morning at the latest.

"The cash is withdrawn and locked in Kevin's private vault for now."

I nodded. "You've done well, Grace."

She stepped aside, and a man in a dark blue coat stepped forward. Sharp eyes, lean face. The kind of man who missed nothing and forgot less.

Grace said, "This is Mr. Mason. He's the finest barrister in all of Kingston."

I studied him. He gave a measured nod. "James Mason. A pleasure."

I gestured to a chair. "I want out of this marriage. And I want everything that's mine returned."

James met my gaze steadily. "That won't be easy, Ms. Stanton. The Hayes family has power, and as far as the world knows, you're already dead."

I looked at him calmly. "That's exactly why I sent for you.

"Help me win this case, and you'll get thirty percent of my assets."

His eyes sharpened. My assets were enough to rival a small kingdom. Thirty percent would set his family up for generations.

He paused only a moment. Then he stood. "Ma'am, you've got yourself a barrister."

Before he could say more, shouting erupted outside.

Grace went pale and rushed to the door. She came back breathless, panic in her eyes. "My lady, it's the authorities. They've surrounded the alley."

My heart seized. Already? They found me this fast?

James's face darkened. "The Hayes family must have caught wind of something."

He lowered his voice. "You're supposed to be dead. If they find you alive now, they'll make sure you never see a courtroom."

I clutched Andrew tight, my blood running cold.

A heavy fist pounded on the door. "Open up! By order of the magistrate, we're searching for fugitives."

James moved quickly. "Under the bed. Now. Both of you."

I didn't hesitate. I slid beneath the bed frame, pulling Andrew close, dust filling my nose.

The door burst open almost the moment I was hidden.

Boots stomped inside. Guards flooded the room, swords drawn, blades glinting in the lamplight.

The lead officer glared at Grace and James. "Who are you two? What are you doing here?"

I stared through the gap beneath the bed, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might give me away.

Then a voice rang out from the courtyard. Sharp. Smug. Familiar. "Officer, don't waste your time on them.

"I saw that woman run into this courtyard with a baby in her arms. She's in there."