The name flares behind my eyes—and I hesitate.
She wouldn’t. Would she?
She threatened me, yes—but what kind of psychopath threatens an unborn child?
Because thisisa threat.
The elegant office, the refined décor, the well-dressed doctor—it’s all camouflage. This appointment was never medical care.
It was intimidation.
An “opening,” I scold myself bitterly. God, how could I have been so stupid?
A lump rises in my throat, choking me with regret.
I shouldn’t have come. I shouldn’t have come alone. I shouldn’t have come without telling Nero.
“Who sent you?” I manage to ask, my hand instinctively flying to my belly.
The doctor laughs again, dripping condescension.
“Don’t tell me you’re naïve enough to think you actually found a prince charming?”
My gaze drops instantly to the ring on my finger.
That’s enough.
I stand and walk out of the office without caring what I knock into on the way.
I move fast, desperate to escape, desperate to breathe air not contaminated by that man’s presence.
But the universe isn’t done with me yet.
When I step onto the pavement outside, I find Lysandra Zanthos waiting.
“Get in,” she says from the back seat of her car, the door already open.
I hesitate, glancing around.
Then I straighten my shoulders.
I won’t be afraid.
What could she do to me here? Whatever horror she orchestrated, we’re still in Khione. She can’t hurt me here—not without everyone knowing.
Worst case, I’ll be arrested for murdering my mother-in-law in a moving vehicle.
I inhale deeply.
And I get in.
CHAPTER 40
NINA MARCHESI
“I see you’re not stupid and made the right decision,” Lysandra congratulates me the moment I close the door and the car pulls away.
In an effort to stay as far from her as possible, I practically sink into the leather seat, even though there’s more than enough space between us.
