He watched me closely, trying to read my face.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because if I am giving up my company, I want to hear Vivian promise me she will leave June alone,” I said.

“I want to hear it from her mouth.”

Carter left his coffee mug on the counter and stepped toward the door.

He paused beside June’s carrier and touched her cheek with one finger.

“Fine,” he said.

“Tomorrow morning at nine. The library at Hartwell House.”

“I’ll be there,” I said.

“Come alone, with the signed papers,” Carter said.

He walked out, the front door clicking shut behind him.

I collapsed into the chair next to June, pulling her carrier close to my chest.

My heart was hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I unbuckled her and held her tight, breathing in her sweet, warm scent.

“I won’t let them take you,” I whispered into her soft hair.

But I knew I could not just refuse to sign without a plan.

Vivian and Carter were ruthless, and they had judges in their pockets.

I needed something that would destroy them completely.