Two men in black suits burst into the room. They were massive, like refrigerators with legs.
They grabbed Ainsley's arms. Their grip was bruising.
Ainsley didn't fight. She knew physics. She couldn't win. She just kept her eyes on Carson.
"Oh god, Carson, are you okay?" Kirstie wailed, rushing to his side. "She's violent! Get her out of here!"
One of the guards began to drag Ainsley backward.
"Wait," Carson said.
It wasn't a shout. It was a quiet command that cut through the noise like a scalpel.
The guards froze.
"Let her go," Carson said.
"But sir," one guard started. "She breached the perimeter."
"I said let her go."
They released Ainsley. She stumbled, rubbing her arms.
Carson turned his face toward Ainsley. It was unnerving, being scrutinized by a man who couldn't see.
"You say you didn't ask for shares?" he asked.
"No."
"And you aren't faking?"
"I don't even know who you are," Ainsley said bluntly. "Why would I pretend to be married to a man who clearly hates me?"
Victoria swept into the room then, looking like a storm cloud in pearls.
"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. She saw Ainsley and her face twisted. "You! Get this trash out of my house!"
Ainsley turned to the grandmother. The fear she had felt in the hospital was gone, replaced by a cold, hard clarity.
"I am Carson's legal wife," Ainsley said. "This is my home. You have no right to remove me."
Victoria pointed a manicured finger at Ainsley's face. "This is the Eaton Estate. Not your trailer park."
"According to New York State law," Ainsley said, the words flowing out of her from some hidden reservoir of knowledge, "even in separation, I have Matrimonial Home Rights until a judge signs a decree. Unless you have an order of protection or an eviction notice signed by a magistrate, removing me is a criminal offense." As the words left her mouth, a part of her mind screamed, Where did that come from? She pushed the thought down. It was a weapon, and she would use it.
Silence.
Victoria's mouth opened and closed. Kirstie looked shocked.
Carson's lips twitched. It was almost a smile. Almost.
"She's unhinged!" Kirstie cried, playing her last card. "Think of the staff! The disruption!"
"I'm staying," Ainsley said, her voice softer but firm, her eyes locked on Carson. "I won't let my life be dismantled by liars."
Carson stood up. He was tall. Taller than Ainsley expected. He unfolded a white cane from beside his chair.
"Since she wants to quote the law," Carson said, "we will follow the law. Where is Preston?"
"En route, sir," the guard said.
Carson walked toward Ainsley. He stopped when he was inches away. He didn't touch her. He inhaled deeply.
Ainsley held her breath. She knew she smelled terrible.
"Give her the guest room," Carson said. "The one in the east wing."
"Carson!" Victoria gasped.
"Keep her away from me," he added.
He tapped his cane against the floor and walked out, his movements precise and practiced.
Kirstie glared at Ainsley with pure venom before chasing after him. Victoria smoothed her pearls, gave Ainsley a look that promised retribution, and followed.
Ainsley was left standing in the solarium, her knees shaking, surrounded by the smell of spilled tea and victory.
