"Seraphina Ashford, you jinx! You have the nerve to hide? The Stephens family line has been passed down for three generations with a single heir each time. We will NOT tolerate this kind of cursed abomination! You get yourself to a hospital right now and get rid of that bastard, then get out of this family with nothing! Alma has already moved into our home. She's the one who can truly help William. She's the wife he deserves!"
I listened in silence until she finished her tirade, then replied, my voice flat and cold. "You want me to leave with nothing? Tell William to come talk to me himself."
I hung up.
At ten that night, William actually showed up at the estate.
He had no idea it was Ashford property. He assumed I'd rented some upscale bed-and-breakfast with whatever savings I had left.
He stood in the living room, looking at me in my loose silk robe, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes.
There was anger in his expression, and a trace of concern he probably hadn't even noticed himself. But more than anything, there was the unmistakable air of a man bestowing charity from on high.