I pulled my hand free and crept out of the room.
At the far end of the second floor, a door stood slightly ajar.
I pushed it open. Inside, a small shrine had been set up for Olivia Swanson.
The woman in the photograph had gentle eyes and a soft brow. She really did look a little like me.
I lit three sticks of incense, knelt on the cushion, and bowed three times until my forehead touched the floor.
"Olivia... I'm sorry. I was too desperate for this warmth, even knowing it was stolen. I've taken your name. I've claimed your daughter."
"But I swear — I'll use whatever's left of this borrowed life to protect her."
"I'll love her the way you would have. I'll live for her the way you can't."
Through the curling smoke, I lifted my head. Through the blur of tears, the gentle woman in the photograph seemed to gaze back at me, a quiet smile settling on her lips.
"She would thank you."
A low voice came from behind.
I turned. Ivan stood in the doorway in a black robe, leaning against the frame.
He walked over and handed me a document and a black card.
"Nondisclosure agreement. The card has no spending limit. PIN is Melody's birthday."
I took the pen and signed my name.