“If Sterling is financially dependent on Harlan Media, he would write whatever medical reports Jared asked him to,” Evelyn said.

“He could testify that I was unstable,” I said. “He could say the sedatives were prescribed for my own mental distress.”

“Exactly,” Evelyn said. “And a two-million-dollar bonus makes a man very cooperative in a custody or divorce court.”

She looked at me with deep concern, her hand resting over mine.

“You cannot go back to that hospital, Shelby,” she said. “And you need to be extremely careful at home.”

“I can’t stay anywhere else yet,” I said. “If I leave the estate, Jared’s lawyers will claim abandonment of the home.”

“Then you must document everything,” Evelyn said. “Keep your phone recording whenever he enters the room.”

My phone suddenly buzzed on the desk, vibrating against the polished wood.

It was a text message from Jared.

I picked it up and read the words aloud.

“We need to discuss an urgent security matter at the house. I am heading there now. Please be home.”