My father let out a long, shuddering breath, his hands clutching his chest.

“Thank you,” my father whispered. “Thank you, Vivian.”

“Do not thank me,” Vivian said coldly, finally turning her sharp eyes toward him.

“Your debts are cleared because your daughter did what you were too cowardly to do.”

She pointed her cane toward the door.

“Now leave this house,” Vivian said. “If I ever see you on Thornton property again, I will have you arrested for trespassing.”

My father looked at me, his mouth opening as if to say something, but he saw the look on my face and stopped.

He turned and hurried out of the library, his footsteps fading down the long hallway.

I was left standing near the fireplace, my hands still cold.

Pendelton gathered his papers, gave a polite nod to Ethan and Vivian, and slipped out of the room.

The heavy oak door clicked shut, leaving me alone with my husband and his grandmother.

Ethan walked over to the armchair near the hearth and sat down, his movements stiff.

He looked tired, the brief burst of energy from his entrance beginning to fade.