Chapter 4

That afternoon, Eleanor arrived at the hospital with a fruit basket.

Gone was the arrogance she had displayed at the club. Now her face was fixed in an ingratiating, counterfeit smile.

"Laura, are you feeling better? It was all my fault. I let my emotions get the better of me. You mustn't hold it against me," Eleanor said, her voice oozing false sympathy as she reached for my hand.

I withdrew my hand.

"State your business," I said, my tone frigid.

Her smile stiffened before she forced it back into place. "Look, you and Alexander are husband and wife. Surely…