Chapter 3

I gripped my phone tight. My fingers went ice-cold.

Ten million dollars. That was my brother's lifeline.

“Don't panic. I'll figure something out.”

I hit send, took a slow breath, and walked toward the master bedroom.

The door was slightly ajar. Through it came Liam's voice on a phone call --- gentle in a way I had never once heard him speak to me.

"Do you like it, sweetheart? If you need anything, just say the word..."

I raised my hand and knocked softly.

"Come in."

His voice snapped back to its usual coldness.

I pushed the door open.

Liam was in his robe, leaning against the balcony railing, smoking. His profile looked blurred in the moonlight.

"What do you want?"

My throat felt tight. I opened my mouth, and the words came out dry.

"The check. Why was it frozen?"

He finally turned around. He tapped the ash off his cigarette, and the corner of his mouth curved into something that wasn't quite a smile.

"Ellie, money doesn't come for free. Your behavior lately has been... disappointing."

My heart dropped.

I lowered my eyes. I pressed my nails into my palm --- the pain kept me sharp.

"Liam." My voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm asking you. Please."

The word hung in the air.

Liam went still for a moment.

That was what I used to call him, back when we were in love --- just Liam, not Mr. Hartley, not the cold, unreachable version of him. After the first affair, I had stopped saying it entirely. That was a long time ago.

Liam drew on his cigarette. The ember glowed and faded. When he spoke, his voice was flat and indifferent.

"Sweetheart, when you make me unhappy, there are always consequences."

I raised my head and met his eyes.

"Then tell me what I need to do."

He was quiet for a few seconds.

"Cara just moved in. She's not used to the place yet. She grew up sheltered --- she needs looking after."

His gaze locked onto mine.

"You know Lakeview Manor better than anyone. You go."

My entire body went rigid. I could barely believe what I was hearing.

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said."

Liam knocked the ash off his cigarette, his tone as casual as if he were scheduling a staff member.

"You go to Lakeview Manor and act as Cara's personal attendant. Take care of her day-to-day needs, make sure she's comfortable."

"If she's satisfied, the money gets unfrozen. And if that's not enough---"

He paused.

"There's more where that came from."

Each word landed like a slap across my face.

He wanted me to go to my mother's house and wait on his mistress hand and foot.

He wanted his precious girl to walk all over the most treasured memories I had left.

And he was going to use my brother's life to make sure I smiled while I did it.

"Liam."

My voice shook despite everything. "Does it really have to be this way?"

"You can always say no."

He turned and walked toward the bathroom. His voice drifted out through the sound of running water.

"Take your brother and get out of my sight. As for what he owes --- those people he borrowed from aren't exactly patient. That's your problem."

The water ran loud and steady.

I stood there, cold all the way through.

My face had gone the color of chalk. But my eyes were burning red.

I walked to the bathroom door and stood there, looking at the blurred shape of him through the frosted glass.

"Fine."

My voice was quiet. But it was clear.

"I'll go."

The water cut off.

Liam pulled the door open. He was still damp, hair dripping.

He looked into my eyes for a moment, like he was confirming something.

Then he smiled and reached out to cup my face.

"Good girl."

"I'll have the driver take you to Lakeview Manor tomorrow morning."

"Remember, Ellie."

He dried his hair as he walked past me, his voice low.

"Don't upset Cara. Because next time, it won't just be the check that gets frozen."

The bedroom door clicked softly shut in front of me.

I went to the guest room and sat down on the cold bed in the dark. I didn't turn on the light.

The moon outside was bright, lighting up my empty hands.

My phone lit up again. My brother.

“Ellie, they called again. They said if we don't pay soon, they're going to---”

I typed back fast.

“Don't be scared. The money will be there tomorrow. Rest and take care of yourself.”

Sent.

Then I buried my face in my palms.

My shoulders shook, and I couldn't make them stop. But my eyes were dry. Not a single tear.