, banging against the stone walls with a viol

swept into t

tered to her skull, the gray jumpsuit was soaked

d straigh

room like a coven of vultures. Gwend

across the room. "You bitch! Y

" she

ld up the

is original document in half. The ink i

h f

p, his eyes narrowin

ng on the marble. "What do you want, Darcie

offering the only warmth in this cold, hateful house

act," she said. Her voice wa

it. You can't walk away from the money.

you," she

that followe

venant says 'direct male heir.' It

e looked from Darcie to the d

said. "In fact, as the former CEO and H

Fleet is a vegetable! He's brain d

his tablet. "Under the state's conservatorship laws... if the marriage is deemed

ed. "How is marrying this... this

ck," Dar

e looke

n she had. "Imagine the headline tomorrow: 'Devoted Bride Stands by Family Hero.' 'Darcie Mayo Marries

stock ticker on his p

he narrative works. It saves the

endolyn yelled. "Fleet

r voice, playing the part of a lost, desperate girl. "He was alway

dolyn said, her eyes n

ft closer to the fire, the h

age. For this to be legally binding and satisfy the trust, she would require proxy rights. Medical power of attorney would be a nece

in the East Wing and the necessary legal autho

She let a tear roll down her cheek. "Thank you,"

f I care. Sterling, when he dies in three months, the contract is fulfil

st curling his lip. "So what

or-sharp smile. "Not

t. "The chaplain is on his way. We'll do

t the window, hiding the

whispered to the reflection