As she spoke, her gaze briefly flickered over Cliff.


    She’d always thought these two kids were a perfect match–one sweet and obedient, the other gentle and kind. Truly a pair made in heaven.


    But Elissa felt a sharp, mocking stare bearing down on her. She acted as if she hadn’t noticed, lifting her head with a small smile. “Jacqueline, you’ve misunderstood. I already exined everything to Father Benedict on the way here.”


    “I have no intention of getting a divorce.”


    As soon as the words left her lips and she looked away, her eyes unexpectedly met a pair of deep, dark ones.


    The man’s gaze was probing, almost piercing in its intensity.


    Yes, she absolutely refused to admit to any talk of divorce in front of him. The night Spencer passed away, maybe her nerves had finally snapped. When the phone rang, she’d blurted out her ns without thinking.


    Jacqueline was stunned, then turned to scold her husband. “Something this big and you didn’t even tell me? I went and ordered a divorce cake, you know…”


    He coughed, a little embarrassed. “Well, I didn’t have time to tell you


    before now.”


    Aaron didn’t press for details; instead, he chimed in on Elissa’s behalf. “A cake’s a cake, divorced or not. As long as the kids are happy, isn’t that


    what matters?”


    Jacqueline sighed, relenting. “I suppose you’re right.”


    “Thank you, Jacqueline<i>.</i>”


    Elissa raised her ss, tapping it lightly, then took a small sip.


    12.11


    As she set it down, the man across from her spoke in a cool, unhurried tone. “You’ve improved. Learned to hold your tongue, at least.”


    She wasn’t surprised by the remark at all.


    Back when she’d gotten married, Rowan had never approved.


    At that time, she’d been desperate to escape the Murphy family–she hadn’t wanted to hear a word of warning. Besides, she’d genuinely believed Frank was a good choice.


    So, he’d been against it, and she’d insisted. It was only fitting that, after being made a public spectacle, he’d take the opportunity to mock her.


    That statement she posted online? It fooled the public, not the people around her. They all had eyes; anyone could see the resemnce between her and Marcia from the side.


    “You taught me well,” Elissa shot back, sarcasmcing her words. She wanted to get up and leave, but guilt over Jacqueline’s hard work kept her in her seat. She forced herself to stay calm.


    Cliff looked surprised. “Wait–you two know each other?”


    “Barely,” Elissa replied.


    “If only it were that simple,” Rowan said, almost simultaneously.


    The air in the room suddenly grew thick.


    Rowan’s long, slender fingers tapped the base of his wine ss, his gaze casual as he looked at Cliff. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I’m her brother.”


    Elissa felt something re in her chest–like a spark to dry tinder. She took a deep breath, struggling to keep herposure, but her eyes were already stinging with unshed tears.


    She was about to say something when Aaron interjected. “Cliff, looks like you’re about done. Why don’t you take Elissa home?”


    “Father, Jacqueline…”


    Elissa nced apologetically at Jacqueline.


    Jacqueline patted her back gently. “It’s alright, dear. Just do as your mentor says.”


    Cliff was clearly startled by Elissa and Rowan’s rtionship, but he knew better than to ask questions now. He stood and nodded at Elissa. “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”


    “Thank you, Cliff.”


    Rowan’s eyes darkened at her words. He didn’t react, but his frown deepened, the sound of her gratitude grating on his nerves.


    Once they’d left, Aaron’s pleasant demeanor vanished. He turned to Rowan, his voice frosty. “If you hadn’t brought Elissa to me all those years ago and given me such a wonderful apprentice, you wouldn’t be setting foot in this house tonight.”


    “I know you must have your reasons, but have you ever thought about what Elissa’s been through? She’s just a young woman, and she’s never once been without painkillers or bruise ointment. All thanks to your Murphy family’s handiwork!”


    Jacqueline quietly went upstairs, giving them space to talk.


    Rowan’s hand stilled for a moment. He turned to watch the car


    disappearing down the driveway, then looked away, the tension in his jaw slowly easing. When he finally spoke, his voice was cold and detached.


    “Mr. ine, I’m here tonight to discuss business with you.”


    “As for everything else, I’m not interested.”