The Blackwood legacy

rrick and Evan disappeared into the crowd. Her heart pou

ecrets did he hold that could jeopardi

ically searching for Derrick. She had to find him, to understand what was happening. Their carefully construct

el smile, his thinly veiled threat, it was clear he held some kind of leverage over Derrick, something t

so much to be here, to secure her own financial future. This arrangement with Derrick was h

rged from the crowd, and Hope f

ng with concern as she caught sight of Hope's an

out in a rush. "He's – he's gone off with Evan, an

cing a steadying hand on Hope's arm. "Calm down

voice trembling with worry. "Olivia, I don't know what kind of secrets Evan has, but i

f determination flashing in her eyes. "Th

distant. "This way," Olivia murmured, her pace quickening. "There's a p

r heart pounding. "Do you

grim. "If Evan has something he wants to discuss privately wi

sing her ear against the heavy oak door. After a moment, s

orned with gleaming artwork and ornate sconces casting a warm glow.

ead. We'll have to be careful – Ev

, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting. She strained to h

ning to expose the truth about their sham marriage? Hope's stomach twisted with dread at the thought –

d Olivia froze, holding up a hand. Hope held her brea

. If you don't cooperate, I'll bu

xchanged a horrified glance with Olivia. Derrick's low, ters

you wan

urred. "The question is, how far are you willing t

h a barely contained fury. "You son of

al. "I'll make sure the entire world knows what a fraud you are, Derrick. Y

ckening lurch in her stomach, realizing that the treacherous waters the

he leaned in, her voice barely above a wh

on the edge of the plush carpet, and she stumbl

ll silent, and the door burst open, Evan

his gaze sweeping over the

of fury and resignation. "Olivia. Hope." His voice w

in her ears. This was it – their carefully crafted lie was

lf for the inevitable fallout, her mind

ave we