“The transfer documents are right here,” he said. “Once her shares are under my name, the board will have no choice but to approve the merger with Whitfield Holdings. We’ll control everything.”
“And the estate?” Gloria asked, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
“Sold by Friday. I already have buyers lined up. That beach house in Miami and the mountain cabin will fetch top dollar.”
Gloria let out a soft, cruel laugh. “Your father always said marrying wealthy was smarter than actually working for success. This little orphan girl was the perfect mark. Pretty face, no real family to interfere, and desperate for love.”
My blood boiled. *Orphan.* That word had haunted me since I lost both parents. They thought it made me weak. They had no idea it made me careful.
Daniel’s shoes moved closer to the bed. “She was so easy. Six months and she trusted me completely. Tomorrow morning she’ll wake up, sign whatever we put in front of her while she’s still groggy, and we’ll be set for life.”
I smiled bitterly into the darkness. *No, darling. I was patient.*
Years of my father’s lessons echoed in my mind. Before he died, he had installed a state-of-the-art security system throughout the family estate, including hidden cameras in every private suite. The footage was already streaming to my personal security consultant, Marcus Reed, and to an encrypted cloud only I could access. I had also worn a small recording device in my bridal jewelry—a gift from my late mother’s collection.
I slowly pulled out my phone from the hidden pocket in my gown. My fingers moved silently across the screen, activating the panic protocol I had hoped I’d never need.
**Message sent.**
