The Billionaire Widow's Redemption

EL

disbelieving croak. "You want them t

's just a small piece, Hazel. They said

d when he preferred her company to mine. I had understood being abandoned on a mountainside. But th

flooded through me. "Get out," I sc

dside table, sending a water

, his jaw tight

ed from the doorway. "Your

ure of frustration and impatienc

A stand-in ring for a stand-in wife. With a bitter laugh that turned into a sob, I pulled it off my finger

twice, brief, perfunctory visits filled with empty

the hallway. I heard my

who has broken ribs, to sit with the si

w is pregnant. They say M

ock. What a ter

the words a fresh

ting by the main entrance. He took my

said, his voice unnaturally gentle. "

d past him and got into

ing. He was a formidable man, his face etched with the lines of power and tr

uffered," he said, his v

s. But he was worried about Jodie, you k

excuses for

orward boxes of expensive gifts. It was

ficent diamond necklace, a famous piece known as "The Hancock Star."

cognize," he said, his voice firm. He glanced pointedly over my shoulder to

umbled an excuse about feeling

ut a sharp look from his grandf

It felt like a gilded cage. I knew what I had to do.

door, I heard their voic

Carter demanded. "It belongs to the

e was like stone. "I only recognize Hazel as you

was strained, desperate. "My marriage certificate with

. The piece of paper I ha

through my safe until I found it. The marriage certificate. My hands shook as I unfolded it. And there i

e. I was his mist

hysterical sound that

maid was shaking me awake

ley! Come

r, the Hancock Star lay, its chain broken, diamonds scatt

I saw her come down and smash it!" she cried. "I've work

s fixed on me. "Haz

er. In her hand, she was holding a photograph. A picture of my frai

y voice was a whispe

. "I'm very disappointed in you, Hazel. You will s