reness. But her mind was sharp, clear, and cold. The tears were gone, re

faint marks on her neck and arm, her movements precise and

ers," she said, her voice even.

t, hesitated. "Isla, divorcing a Beaumont, especially Julian... it

e replied calmly. "I

er embroidery supplies, the clothes she had owned before the marriage. She left behind every piece of jewelry,

nvelope. The divorce papers. Holding them in her h

hardening with every mile. The imposing glass and steel sk

straight to the executive elevator. Julian's assistant

name one last time. She bypassed the startled assistant and

ck. She pushed

assive desk. And perched on the edge of that desk, leaning over him with a playful smile, was Amber S

ing. It wasn't just an affair; it was a replacement. Any lingering, microscopic

mmediately darkened with annoyance. Amber, however, looked delighted by t

alked forward with steady steps and placed the envelope squarely o

her voice flat and

ace, quickly followed by derisive amusement. He let out a short, harsh laugh. "D

nerves. "Honey, you can't divorce him," she purred, slidin

single cent. The trust fund, the properties, the alimony...

lew in the face of the narrative he had constructed about her-the

on his lips. "Freedom? You have no freedom. You are bound by the

orted, her voice gaining strength. "This," she

enty-four hours to sign it. If yo

ally ignited his temper. He moved with a speed that was terrifying. Before she could reac

" he snarled, his fac

s she let out a weak pr

inside. The door clicked shut behind them. He threw her onto a plush sofa. The envelope he'd snat

hed, his control snapping completely. He advanced on her, his ey