The lead attorney cleared his throat aggressively, trying to break the spell. “Mrs. Vance, this is an active, confidential legal proceeding.”
I looked at the thick stack of paperwork resting in the center of the mahogany table. My married name was printed in stark, bold lettering across the index label.
“I know exactly what this meeting is,” I said, walking closer. “That is precisely why I am here.”
Dominic finally rose from his leather chair. He moved with a strange, hesitant slowness, like a man terrified that a sudden movement might cause the illusion to shatter.
“Audrey,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, gravelly pitch. “Whose baby is that?”
The question should have cut me to the quick. Instead, it only caused a profound, freezing calm to settle over my chest. I shifted Lily slightly, supporting her head.
“Her name is Lily,” I replied evenly. “And she is your daughter.”
