Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
A long shudder went through Ally. She gripped my waist harder, her entire form shaking. I pulled her tighter to my side, silently cursing the coldhearted bitch who stared at her.
“I know now that I stopped being your daughter the day you married Ronald. It’s just taken me a long time to see that.”
Sarah’s gaze never softened as she took in her daughter’s distress.
“I’m not forgetting anything else, Mother. You took enough away from me already.”
“Just like your father—you’re far too sentimental for your own good.”
Ally smiled sadly. “I realize you didn’t mean it that way, but that is the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
Sarah rolled her eyes.
Ally’s voice shook. “Someone did pay that day, Mother. Ollie did. He died trying to care for me. He put me first. Until Adam, he is the only one who ever did.”
Sarah didn’t even blink at those profound words.
I pulled an envelope from my pocket. “Sign this.”
Sarah made no move to take it from my extended hand. “What is it?”
“It’s a release form my lawyer drew up. Effective immediately, Ally no longer requires anyone to make her decisions. The power of attorney you had in place will be null and void.” I pushed the paper forward. “Entirely voluntary, of course. But if you refuse to sign it, he’ll start legal proceedings right away.”
“Is that a threat?”
“If you sign it, no. It’s a request.”
She snatched the envelope away. “I’ll have our lawyer look it over.”
I shook my head. “You’ll sign it now. It’s very straightforward.” I locked eyes with her. “I’m sure you want all of this kept as quiet as possible. It would be a damn shame for any of this nasty business to get out.”
Her eyes narrowed.
I stepped forward, my voice shaking as I struggled to stay in control. “You’re a piranha in a designer dress, lady. You are truly the coldest bitch I’ve ever had the displeasure to meet, and if I had my way, you’d be in jail. I want to go to the press and give them the story of the year—the fucking decade—and tell them exactly what you’ve done, blow your precious little world apart. I want you to suffer the way you’ve made Ally suffer.”
She had the audacity to roll her eyes at me. “Is that your plan?” she demanded.
I smirked at the slight tremble in her voice.
“My plan is to get Ally as far away from you as possible. She is never going to be subjected to your unfeeling, joyless world again.” I indicated the envelope she was gripping. “Sign the paper, Sarah. Your daughter, who is just like her father in that she has a heart, refuses to let me tell the world how ugly you truly are. Her massive capacity for forgiveness is what’s keeping you from public humiliation. The only thing. However, if you don’t sign it, right fucking now, all bets are off.”
“I don’t think I care for your tone, Mr. Kincaid.”
“I don’t give much of a toss what you care for. I care about your daughter and the damage you’ve done to her. That’s all that matters. Now, sign the damn paper so I can take Ally home with me where she belongs.”
She grabbed a pen, signing the papers with barely a glance. When she turned back, her frigid gaze went to Ally, and her voice was icy. “Marrying this man will be the ruin of you. You will regret it.”
Ally shook her head. “No, I won’t.”
“Take your things and leave. When he’s done with you, don’t come crawling back.”
I was tired of her ugly words. I wrapped my arm around Ally, lifted her hand, and kissed it. “How could you think I’d ever be done with this remarkable woman?” I smirked as I looked at her. “I would never walk away from my wife.” I held Ally’s hand so the light caught the diamonds glinting on her finger and the thick silver band on my finger was visible.
She gaped at us. “You’re already married?”
“We are,” I said firmly. “I assume you won’t be hosting an event to welcome me to the family?”
She pointed a shaking finger to the door. “Get out.” She drew in a deep breath. “Get out!”
I tugged Ally with me as I stepped back. Sarah was so livid, she was almost vibrating. Her carefully concealed emotions were on display, and they were ugly. I didn’t want her even remotely close to my girl. If she struck out and tried to hurt her, I wouldn’t be able to control myself.
I spoke softly. “Do you want to say goodbye to your mother?”
Ally shook her head, already turning to leave. “I don’t have a mother.”
Those words broke my heart.
The elevator ride down was quiet. I held Ally close, worried over her unnatural stillness. She hadn’t said a word since her mother brushed past us, pausing only to open the door and indicate with a haughty wave of her arm we needed to leave. The quiet click of the door shutting behind us made Ally flinch.