“The board will oust you before the markets close.”

“Our investors do not tolerate fraud, Adrian, even if it was your mother who committed it.”

She stepped closer to me, smelling of jasmine and expensive wine.

“You will be left with nothing.”

“No company.”

“No reputation.”

“And certainly no money to support your new, ready-made family.”

I stared at her pale, beautiful face.

I realized I did not know this woman at all.

“You knew about Mercer,” I said.

“I knew Eleanor had taken steps to secure your future,” Celeste said.

“A wife should not ask too many questions about her husband’s inheritance.”

“But a wife will protect her lifestyle.”

She reached out and patted my chest, her hand lingering over my heart.

“Go upstairs, take a hot shower, and forget about Maine.”

“We have the symphony gala tomorrow night.”

“We need to look united.”

She picked up her wine glass and walked past me.

Her heels clicked all the way down the hall.

I stood alone in the library.

The fire crackled, a log shifting and sending sparks up the chimney.

My hands were shaking slightly.