“Vivian will never allow it,” I said, thinking of the formidable matriarch downstairs.

“My grandmother is living in the past,” Jason said, his eyes darkening.

“She thinks Ethan is going to wake up and run the company again.”

“But we both know that is a fantasy.”

He leaned in closer, his gaze locked onto mine.

“You sign the petition,” he said.

“As his legal wife, your signature carries the ultimate weight.”

“The court will appoint me as his sole guardian and trustee of the Thornton holdings.”

“The moment the judge signs the order, another four million dollars will be wired to an account of your choice.”

“And then?” I asked, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“And then you are free,” Jason said.

“You can divorce him.”

“You can leave this house, leave this state, and never look back.”

The wind rattled the French doors again, louder this time.

The heavy drapes swayed, letting in another chill draft from the Hudson.

I looked down at the check in my hand.

The money was enough to change my life, to buy the freedom I had been stripped of the day I married Ethan.