No.
I shut my eyes.
No.
That was how she worked.
She did not need truth.
Only timing.
Only doubt.
Only a crack big enough to pour poison through.
“Send me everything you have,” I said.
“I will. But Mr. Sterlington?”
“What?”
“She told me if you chose Sophie over blood, she would make sure blood chose against you.”
My gaze fell to the silver-framed portrait on the study wall.
Penelope holding me as a child.
Her smile perfect.
Her arms locked around me like possession.
Then my phone buzzed.
A message from Sophie.
Just three words.
Julian is gone.
For one second, I thought I had misread it.
Then another message appeared.
Nurse said you authorized transfer for additional testing. Nick, please tell me that was you.
The townhouse walls tilted.
My mother was out on bail.
The files were emptying into my hands.
The hospital had security.
The restraining order was active.
