If the board found out that I was the true heir, they would strip him of his title in an instant.

His mother, Eleanor, would use the scandal to destroy his reputation, all to protect the family name.

I was the matches, and this house was the dry wood.

If I stayed, I would burn his entire life to the ground.

“You look pale,” Nathan said, leaning down to press his forehead against mine.

I smelled his expensive cologne, mixed with the faint scent of rain from the open window.

“I’m just tired,” I whispered, pulling back slightly.

“I need to lie down for a little while.”

He hesitated, his gray eyes searching mine for a long, quiet moment.

“Okay,” he said softly.

“The lawyers are calling a meeting in an hour. I have to take it in the study.”

“Go,” I said, forcing a small smile. “I’ll be fine.”

He kissed my temple before turning and walking down the long corridor.

I watched his shadow disappear around the corner of the hallway.

The silence of the house settled over me like a heavy wool blanket.