Anona woke up in a room she didn't recognize. The sheets were high thread count, gray. The walls were lined with art that cost more than her life.
Harrison's penthouse.
A doctor was packing up his bag by the door.
"The fetus is stable, for now," the doctor said to Harrison, who was standing by the window. "But her stress levels are a ticking clock. Any significant shock, physical or emotional, could be catastrophic."
Harrison nodded. Leave us.
He walked to the bed. Anona sat up, clutching the duvet.
Thank you, she whispered. For last night.
Harrison poured a glass of water from a crystal carafe. Don't misunderstand. I was protecting the stock price. Caldwell dropped fifteen percent this morning.
He handed her the glass. His fingers lingered on hers for a second too long.
Her phone rang on the nightstand. Father.
Anona picked it up.
You ungrateful wretch! Burrell Blanchard's voice was so loud Harrison could hear it. You destroyed the merger! Get home now!
Anona's hand shook. I'm not coming back.
If you don't, Burrell hissed, I'm calling the hospital. Your sister's ventilator gets turned off in an hour.
Anona dropped the phone.
Harrison stepped forward. What did he say?
Anona swung her legs out of bed. I have to go. They're going to kill her.
I'll drive you, Harrison said.
No. Anona stood up, swaying slightly. This is family business. If you get involved, the stock tanks further. Stay out of it.
She grabbed her purse and ran out.
Harrison watched her go. He pulled out his phone.
Vance, he said to his head of security. Follow her. And find out where her sister is hospitalized. Now.
The library at the Blanchard estate smelled of cigars and betrayal.
Anona walked in. Christy was there, crying into a handkerchief.
Burrell Blanchard threw a whiskey glass at Anona's feet. It shattered, shards flying.
Apologize to Christy! Burrell roared. And sign a statement saying you faked that video!
Anona looked at her father. She slept with my husband. And you want me to apologize?
Eleanor stepped forward. Christy brought the new funding agreement. If you cooperate, the family is saved.
Anona felt cold. So you're selling me. Again.
Christy looked up, her eyes dry and hard. It's not just money, Anona. It's for your sister. Sign the confession, or we stop the payments.
Anona lunged at her.
Burrell moved to shove Anona, but she sidestepped him, her body tense. A sharp pain exploded low in her abdomen from the sudden movement, making her gasp.
Sign it! Burrell pointed to a document on the desk. Admission of Mental Incompetence and Fabrication of Evidence.
Anona looked at the paper. If she signed, she lost her freedom. She lost her baby.
But if she didn't...
She picked up the pen. Her hand trembled violently.
She lowered the tip to the paper.
