“I did not abandon them.”

“I simply went to retrieve their luggage.”

“And when I returned, your brother had snatched them.”

“That is what the police report will say.”

“We have the gate agent’s statement,” Ryker said.

“And we have the security footage showing you boarding a flight to Miami alone.”

Marissa sighed, a sound of mock pity.

“Do you think the public cares about airport cameras, Ryker?”

“They care about a billionaire taking children from a grieving widow.”

“By the time the court looks at your footage, the damage will be done.”

“Your stock will crash.”

“Your reputation will be ruined.”

“And the state will put those kids in a foster home while we litigate.”

“Is that what you want for them?”

She was testing us.

She knew Ryker’s weak points.

“What is your price?” Ryker asked.

His voice was deadly quiet.

“Sign over the guardianship to me,” Marissa said.

“And sign a release for the trust funds.”

“Once the money is in my account, you can keep the kids for all I care.”

“They are nothing but a burden anyway.”