“Olivia was trapped, Claire.”

“My mother told her the only way out was to carry the embryo.”

“She promised to wipe the debt clean the day the child was delivered.”

The sheer cruelty of it made me sick.

Margaret had systematically targeted my best friend, exploiting her weakness to steal my child.

“Is there proof of this?” I asked, my voice trembling with rage.

“Yes,” Ethan said, nodding vigorously.

“The debt transfer records are in my mother’s private safe at the estate.”

“I have the combination.”

“I can get them for you, Claire.”

“But you have to promise me you’ll tell the DA I cooperated.”

“I can’t go to jail,” he whimpered.

“Please.”

I looked past him, through the frosted glass, to where Margaret stood.

She was staring blankly at the wall, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

She looked so composed, so untouchable.

“I will talk to Samuel,” I said to Ethan.

“But you have to tell him every single detail.”

“I will,” Ethan said, a look of profound relief washing over his face.

“I swear I will.”