The front door of the estate opened with a heavy, ominous click.

Elenore stood by the fireplace in the living room. She had showered and changed into a cream-colored dress, applying concealer to hide the dark circles under her eyes. She stood perfectly still, a statue in a museum of cold wealth.

Cedrick walked in. He tossed his keys onto the marble console table. The metal skittered across the stone surface, a harsh sound in the quiet house.

He didn't look at her immediately. He checked his watch. "Vance called me."

Elenore's stomach tightened. She interlaced her fingers to stop them from trembling. "I signed the paper, Cedrick."

I know. He finally turned to her. His face was unreadable, a mask of calm authority. "She was becoming a liability. Too emotional. I fired her."

Elenore blinked, the shock momentarily overriding her fear. "You fired her? Because she hurt me?"

Cedrick laughed. It was a short, sharp sound, devoid of humor. "No, Elenore. Don't be naive. I fired her because she let you slap her. It shows weakness. An executive assistant cannot be weak."

He walked closer, his shoes clicking on the hardwood. "And she threatened the medical account without my authorization. That is my leverage, not hers. No one wields my weapons but me."

He stopped in front of her. He reached out and tilted her chin up. His fingers were cool. He inspected her face, turning it side to side as if looking for flaws in a diamond.

You look tired, he said clinically. "Take a vitamin B complex. Pale skin doesn't photograph well."

He dropped his hand and walked past her toward the stairs.

The dismissal was so absolute, so casual, that Elenore felt something snap.

I want a divorce, Cedrick.

The words hung in the air, suspended in the dust motes.

Cedrick stopped on the third step. He didn't turn around. His hand rested on the banister.

Read the prenup, Elenore, he said, his voice bored. "Clause 14, Section B. You initiate separation, you forfeit all spousal support. The funding for Pinecrest stops the moment you file."

I have evidence, Elenore lied. Her voice shook, betraying her.

Cedrick turned slowly. He looked down at her from the height of the stairs, a god looking at an ant. "Evidence of what? My philanthropy? My work ethic?"

Julianna, Elenore said. "Penny."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. Cedrick's eyes narrowed. The mask slipped, just for a fraction of a second, revealing something dangerous underneath.

He descended the stairs, moving silently now. He walked until he had her cornered against the mantelpiece. He smelled of sandalwood and the city.

They are none of your concern, he said softly. "Penny is... a complicated situation."

Is she yours? Elenore asked, looking directly into his eyes.

She is my responsibility, Cedrick said. "Just like you are. Just like the company is."

He reached out and brushed a stray hair from her forehead. Elenore flinched.

Don't be hysterical, he murmured. "It's unattractive. You have a good life here, Elenore. Don't throw it away over a misunderstanding."

He stepped back, adjusting his cuffs, a subtle movement that reset his armor of composure. "By the way, your step-family is coming for dinner tomorrow."

Elenore felt the blood drain from her face. "What? Why?"

Joseph needs money. Again. And I need a family photo op to quell some rumors circulating about my... private life. You will play the happy wife. You will smile. You will be gracious.

And if I refuse?

Cedrick smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. "Then I transfer Hazle to the state facility. Tonight. I'll have the ambulance waiting in the driveway before dessert is served."

He turned and walked up the stairs. "Dinner is at 7:00. Don't be late."

Elenore watched him go. When he disappeared onto the landing, she slid down the wall until she hit the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest.

Bluffing hadn't worked. He held all the cards. But he had made a mistake. He had confirmed Penny was his "responsibility." He had admitted, in his own twisted way, that the rumors were true.

Elenore stared at the fireplace. She needed a trap. A legal trap that even Cedrick Fields couldn't negotiate his way out of.

The dining room table was set for five. The crystal glasses gleamed under the chandelier light. Elenore adjusted a fork, moving it a millimeter to the right. Cedrick demanded "minimalist aesthetics," which meant everything had to be geometrically perfect.

She placed the name cards. Joseph Parsons. Mrs. Parsons.

Her step-mother and step-brother. The people who had sold her to Cedrick to pay off their gambling debts.

Cedrick entered the room. He checked his watch. "They are late. Typical."

Elenore turned to him. "Does Julianna know about this dinner? About the photo op?"

Cedrick ignored the question. He pointed to her dress. "Straighten your neckline. You look disheveled."

The doorbell rang.

Elenore's stomach churned. She walked to the foyer as the butler opened the door.

Mrs. Parsons swept in. She was wearing a leopard print coat that was far too loud for the Hamptons. Her hair was dyed a harsh, brassy blonde. Joseph trailed behind her, sweating in a suit that was too tight around the collar.

Elenore! Mrs. Parsons cried, grabbing Elenore in a hug that smelled of cheap perfume and cigarettes. "Look at you. Living in a palace while we suffer in that drafty townhouse."

Hello, Brenda, Elenore said stiffly, pulling away.

Cedrick walked into the foyer. He put on a smile that was dazzling in its falseness. "Brenda. Joseph. Welcome."

Cedrick! Mrs. Parsons practically drooled. "You look successful as always."

They moved to the drawing room. Joseph immediately pulled a crumpled sheaf of papers from his pocket. "Cedrick, I have this idea for a blockchain integration with the logistics arm..."

Cedrick took a sip of his sparkling water. "We'll discuss business after dinner, Joseph. Let's enjoy the family time."

Family time. Elenore wanted to vomit.

Mrs. Parsons leaned in close to Elenore while the men talked. "Make sure he signs the check tonight, Elenore. If he doesn't, the bank takes the townhouse on Monday."

I don't control his checkbook, Brenda, Elenore whispered.

You're his wife, Brenda hissed, her nails digging into Elenore's arm. "Use your body if you have to. Cry. Beg. I don't care. Just get the money."

Elenore pulled her arm away. "I can't."

Brenda sneered. "Useless. Just like your mother."

Elenore walked away, feeling nauseous. She went to the bar to get a glass of water. Cedrick appeared beside her.

Your brother is sweating on my Italian silk upholstery, he said, his voice low and filled with disdain.

Give them the money and get them out, Elenore pleaded. "Please."

Cedrick looked at her. "I want something in return. Public affection. Tonight. When the photographer comes out."

Fine, Elenore said. She felt like she was selling pieces of her soul by the hour.

Dinner was served. It was a series of tiny, artistic portions of vegan foam and roasted root vegetables.

Joseph ate ravenously, scraping his plate with his fork. Cedrick watched him with open disgust.

So, Cedrick said, tapping his glass. "To family values."

To family! Brenda chirped, raising her glass.

Elenore saw Joseph shift in his seat. While Cedrick was momentarily distracted by Brenda's fawning, Joseph glanced down at his phone in his lap. His thumb moved quickly, the screen's glow illuminating his nervous face. Elenore's eyes narrowed. It was a brazen, foolish risk to take in front of a man like Cedrick.

She caught a glimpse of the notification banner before he angled the phone away.

New Message from J.B.: Is he buying it? Text me when you leave.

J.B.

Julianna Baird.

Elenore frowned. Why was her step-brother texting her husband's mistress? And asking if Cedrick was "buying it"?

A cold realization washed over her. Joseph wasn't just here for money. He was a spy.

To loyalty, Cedrick said, locking eyes with Elenore. His gaze was dead, empty.

Elenore raised her glass. Her hand shook. "To loyalty," she echoed, her mind racing.

Dessert is served, the butler announced.

Cedrick stood up. He signaled to a corner of the room. A man stepped out from the shadows-the house photographer Cedrick kept on retainer for "newsletter content."

Just a few candid shots, Cedrick said. "Joseph, Brenda, squeeze in."

He sat back down and pulled Elenore onto his lap.

Elenore went rigid. His thighs were hard, his grip on her waist bruising.

Relax, he whispered into her ear. "Smile, or Joseph leaves empty-handed."

Mrs. Parsons clapped her hands. "Oh, look at the lovebirds! Beautiful!" She thought this meant the check was secured.

Elenore forced the corners of her mouth up. It felt like her face was cracking. She leaned her head against Cedrick's shoulder, smelling the starch of his collar.

Flash.

The light blinded her for a second.

Perfect, the photographer said.

Cedrick released her abruptly, almost pushing her off his lap. He stood up and reached into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a document.

Here you go, Joseph.

Joseph's eyes lit up. He grabbed the paper. His smile faltered as he read it.

This... this is a loan agreement, Joseph stammered. "With collateral?"

Yes, Cedrick said coolly. "A loan against your remaining assets. The townhouse. The car. With fifteen percent interest."

Fifteen percent? Joseph squeaked. "But we're family..."

Business is business, Joseph. Sign it or leave.

Joseph looked at his mother. Brenda looked furious, glaring at Elenore as if this was her fault. But they were desperate.

Joseph signed.

Five minutes later, the Parsons were gone. Elenore stood in the driveway, watching their taillights disappear.

Good performance, Cedrick said from behind her.

I feel sick, Elenore said.

Go to bed. I have work.

Cedrick turned and walked toward his study.

Elenore didn't go to the bedroom. She waited until she heard the study door close. Then, she crept down the hallway.

She peered through the crack in the door. Cedrick was on the phone, pacing.

Yes, honey, I know, he was saying, his voice softer than she had ever heard it. "I'm handling the transfer now."

Julianna.

Elenore saw a stack of papers on the corner of his desk. NDA Renewals - Q3.

An idea formed in her mind. It was reckless. It was dangerous. But it was her only shot.

She ran to the library in the East Wing where she kept her hidden printer. She pulled up the file she had been working on. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

She formatted the header to look exactly like the standard Fields Corp NDA. The font, the spacing, the margins. She added a "Sign Here" sticky tab on the signature line.

She printed it. The paper was warm in her hands.

She walked back to the study. Cedrick was still pacing, his back to the door, laughing at something Julianna said.

Elenore slipped into the room. She moved like a ghost. She placed the divorce paper into the middle of the stack of NDAs.

She slipped back out into the shadows.

She watched.

Cedrick sat down at the desk, phone pressed to his ear. He looked annoyed at the paperwork. He grabbed a pen.

He started signing. Flip, sign. Flip, sign.

He was distracted. "Yes, Julianna, the Master Bedroom has the best light. You'll love it."

He reached the divorce paper.

Elenore held her breath. Her heart stopped.

Cedrick glanced at the page. Then he looked at the phone. "Stop worrying. I'm the CEO, I can move whoever I want into the estate."

He signed the paper.

He flipped it over into the "Completed" tray.

Elenore let out a silent gasp. She pressed her hand over her mouth to stifle a scream of triumph.

He had done it. He had signed his own divorce.