The man on the other end chuckled.
"The heiress of the Molina family of New York wants to make a deal with me?"
I gave a bitter laugh.
If my family hadn't been wealthy, Darwin would never have thought to fake his death just to swindle a fortune.
What I thought was a powerful alliance—two hearts in harmony—had been nothing but an elaborate illusion to strip me bare.
"I can help you destroy the Herrera Corporation," I said quietly.
There was a pause, then his tone sharpened.
"Don't beat around the bush. What's your condition?"
Clenching my fist, I replied, "Help me stage my own death. Two weeks from now."
"Deal."
His answer came without hesitation.
Outside the hospital, the night was still and dark. I tore the black veil from my head and tossed it into a trash bin.
Just as I turned to leave, I heard Sydney's voice behind me.
"Nadine, so you're here. Let me introduce you—this is Darwin's elder brother, Terrence."
I turned around.
Sydney was dressed in a patient gown, her arm looped possessively through Darwin's.
His gaze held only distance and unfamiliarity as he extended his hand.
"Hello, I'm Terrence. You must be my sister-in-law?"