Chapter 2
I stepped in front of Poppy.
“Get out.”
Margaret did not even blink.
She wore cream wool, pearls, and the expression of a woman who had mistaken cruelty for class her entire life.
“This is still my son’s house.”
“No,” I said. “It is not.”
Serena shifted behind her.
She was younger than me.
Blonde.
Pretty.
Nervous in a way that did not match Margaret’s confidence.
“I don’t want trouble,” Serena said.
Margaret snapped, “Be quiet.”
That told me something.
Serena was not the queen here.
She was another piece on Margaret’s board.
Poppy clung to my sweater.
Margaret looked at her.
“Go upstairs. Adults are speaking.”
My daughter stiffened.
I felt rage rise hot and clean.
“She stays with me.”
Margaret’s eyes narrowed.
“Fine. Then she can hear the truth. Grant’s real child will need the nursery. You and Poppy can move to the guest room until legal matters are settled.”
I almost laughed.
“You think you’re moving Serena into my house?”
“Temporarily.”
“No.”
Margaret’s smile hardened.
“You are being emotional.”
“I am being the owner.”
I walked to the drawer and pulled out the buyout agreement.
Her signature sat at the bottom.
She hated looking at it.
Serena saw it too.
Her face changed.
“She said you were refusing to settle.”
I looked at Serena.
“She lied.”
Margaret turned on her.
“Do not start.”
Poppy whispered, “Mommy, I’m scared.”
That was enough.
I picked up my phone.
Margaret’s voice sharpened.
“Who are you calling?”
“My attorney.”
Her face flickered.
One second of fear.
Then gone.
“Before you do that,” she said, “you should know Grant left instructions.”
My heart stopped.
“What instructions?”
Margaret walked toward the stairs.
“The office belongs to Bennett blood.”
I blocked her.
She smiled.
“Then open it yourself, Audrey.”
I did not move.
May you like
She leaned closer.
“Unless you’re afraid of what your husband kept from you.”
