“She speaks for me,” Ryker said.

He took one step toward her.

He did not raise his voice, but the two security officers instinctively took a half-step back.

“The nanny never arrived because you canceled her contract yesterday morning,” Ryker said.

“We have the email records.”

“We also have the security footage of you walking them to the terminal door and leaving.”

Eleanor’s face went pale under her heavy makeup.

She gripped her handbag tighter.

“Edward’s business is failing,” she whispered, her voice shaking.

“We are bankrupt.”

“I had to leave.”

“I couldn’t take them with me.”

“They are not my children.”

“They are his.”

“You left two five-year-olds in an international airport,” I said.

“To fend for themselves.”

“They would have been fine,” she snapped, her composure cracking.

“Someone would have found them.”

“Someone did,” Ryker said.

He turned to the lead security officer.

“Take her into custody,” Ryker ordered.

“The Chicago police are waiting downstairs.”

“Charge her with child abandonment and endangerment.”

“You can’t do this!” Eleanor screamed as the officers grabbed her arms.

“Ryker, please!”

“Edward will ruin you!”