The front door of the estate opened with a heavy, ominous click.
Elenore stood by the fireplace in the living room. She had showered and changed into a cream-colored dress, applying concealer to hide the dark circles under her eyes. She stood perfectly still, a statue in a museum of cold wealth.
Cedrick walked in. He tossed his keys onto the marble console table. The metal skittered across the stone surface, a harsh sound in the quiet house.
He didn't look at her immediately. He checked his watch. "Vance called me."
Elenore's stomach tightened. She interlaced her fingers to stop them from trembling. "I signed the paper, Cedrick."
I know. He finally turned to her. His face was unreadable, a mask of calm authority. "She was becoming a liability. Too emotional. I fired her."
Elenore blinked, the shock momentarily overriding her fear. "You fired her? Because she hurt me?"
Cedrick laughed. It was a short, sharp sound, devoid of humor. "No, Elenore. Don't be naive. I fired her because she let you slap her. It shows weakness. An executive assistant cannot be weak."
He walked closer, his shoes clicking on the hardwood. "And she threatened the medical account without my authorization. That is my leverage, not hers. No one wields my weapons but me."
He stopped in front of her. He reached out and tilted her chin up. His fingers were cool. He inspected her face, turning it side to side as if looking for flaws in a diamond.
You look tired, he said clinically. "Take a vitamin B complex. Pale skin doesn't photograph well."
He dropped his hand and walked past her toward the stairs.
The dismissal was so absolute, so casual, that Elenore felt something snap.
I want a divorce, Cedrick.
The words hung in the air, suspended in the dust motes.
Cedrick stopped on the third step. He didn't turn around. His hand rested on the banister.
Read the prenup, Elenore, he said, his voice bored. "Clause 14, Section B. You initiate separation, you forfeit all spousal support. The funding for Pinecrest stops the moment you file."
I have evidence, Elenore lied. Her voice shook, betraying her.
Cedrick turned slowly. He looked down at her from the height of the stairs, a god looking at an ant. "Evidence of what? My philanthropy? My work ethic?"
Julianna, Elenore said. "Penny."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. Cedrick's eyes narrowed. The mask slipped, just for a fraction of a second, revealing something dangerous underneath.
He descended the stairs, moving silently now. He walked until he had her cornered against the mantelpiece. He smelled of sandalwood and the city.
They are none of your concern, he said softly. "Penny is... a complicated situation."
Is she yours? Elenore asked, looking directly into his eyes.
She is my responsibility, Cedrick said. "Just like you are. Just like the company is."
He reached out and brushed a stray hair from her forehead. Elenore flinched.
Don't be hysterical, he murmured. "It's unattractive. You have a good life here, Elenore. Don't throw it away over a misunderstanding."
He stepped back, adjusting his cuffs, a subtle movement that reset his armor of composure. "By the way, your step-family is coming for dinner tomorrow."
Elenore felt the blood drain from her face. "What? Why?"
Joseph needs money. Again. And I need a family photo op to quell some rumors circulating about my... private life. You will play the happy wife. You will smile. You will be gracious.
And if I refuse?
Cedrick smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. "Then I transfer Hazle to the state facility. Tonight. I'll have the ambulance waiting in the driveway before dessert is served."
He turned and walked up the stairs. "Dinner is at 7:00. Don't be late."
Elenore watched him go. When he disappeared onto the landing, she slid down the wall until she hit the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest.
Bluffing hadn't worked. He held all the cards. But he had made a mistake. He had confirmed Penny was his "responsibility." He had admitted, in his own twisted way, that the rumors were true.
Elenore stared at the fireplace. She needed a trap. A legal trap that even Cedrick Fields couldn't negotiate his way out of.
