It claimed she had used unauthorized access to remain in the house.

It even suggested she was mentally unstable and had manipulated me during my period of deep grief.

“This is a lie,” I whispered. “Every word of it is a lie.”

“It is the narrative that will run in the morning papers,” Vance said.

“Unless Ms. Bennett signs the agreement.”

Claire looked at me, her eyes wide with terror.

“What does it say, Daniel?” she asked.

Her fingers were trembling against the white sheet.

“They want to call you an intruder, Claire,” I said, my chest tightening.

“They want to tell the world you are dangerous.”

“But I love the boys,” she sobbed. “I would never hurt them.”

“We know that,” Vance said, his voice entirely devoid of emotion.

“But the public does not.”

“If you sign, the draft is destroyed.”

“You will receive a comfortable settlement, and your treatment continues.”

“But you must leave the state of New York immediately upon discharge.”

“And you will never contact Lucas, Owen, or Mr. Whitmore again.”

The heart monitor beside Claire’s bed began to beep faster.