“Yes, that’s right.”


    The girl only knew about it after overhearing Elissa and Janice talking the other day. She lowered her voice, “But Elissa probably doesn’t want too many people finding out. I just happened to hear it by ident.”


    “Don’t tell anyone else, okay?”


    “Don’t worry. We won’t.”


    Marcia patted her shoulder, eager to leave. “I’m full. You guys take your


    time.”


    She strode out of the dining hall, eyes dancing with delight. Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and dialed Frank.


    “Frank! I just heard something, and I wasn’t sure if I should tell you, but I don’t think I should keep it from you…”


    Frank was still in the meeting, his voice calm. “What is it?”


    “It’s about Elissa and Cliff. Their rtionship might really be more than it


    seems.”


    Frank frowned, about to respond, when Marcia hurried on, “I heard from someone at the clinic that Elissa said herself–she’s already divorced.”


    “Everyone knows about it now. I was shocked when I heard.”


    Frank shot up from his seat and strode out of the conference room. “What did you say?”


    “Frank…” Marcia’s voice was tentative, careful. “She might’ve been cheating on you.”


    Unbeknownst to Frank, Elissa–the supposed cheater–was on her way to Atwater Manor.


    Early that morning<b>, </b>Carm had called, asking her toe over. She said that even though they’d agreed verbally before, it would be best to have


    <b>09.46 </b>


    something in writing.


    Elissa had no objections. She’d already received the house and the money; signing a contract was the least she could do.


    After finishing her meal, she returned to her clinic, grabbed her bag, and


    headed out.


    At this hour, Atwater Manor was quiet as ever.


    Old Mrs. Atwater was taking her usual afternoon nap–she was a light sleeper–so the housekeepers moved about softly, careful not to make any noise.


    When Elissa arrived, the butler led her straight to the tea room.


    Because of thest time, when Elissa had driven a hard bargain, Carm was noticeably colder. She slid the prepared agreement across the table.


    “Sign it.”


    Elissa’s slender fingers flipped open the first page. She didn’t bother with small talk, instead asking directly, “When will the divorce papers be ready?”


    “You’re in that much of a hurry?” Carm stared at her, as if seeing her for the first time. “Has being married into the Atwater family been such a burden? Elissa, tell me honestly–after all these years, have we ever treated you unfairly?”


    The words struck Elissa as oddly familiar.


    It took her a moment to remember: thest time she’d visited the Murphy family, Matriarch Paige Murphy had said nearly the same thing.


    Everyone seemed to think they could demand an answer from her with such confidence.


    But what about her? Had she ever wronged anyone?


    She didn’t want to get dragged into another endless debate over her own. worth.


    09:46


    Elissa lowered her gaze, her voice emotionless. “Ms. Carm, the dy in the divorce doesn’t really affect me.”


    “But it will make it harder for you to find Frank a new wife. What decent family would let their daughter get involved with a married man?”


    That, at least, struck a chord with Carm.


    Her expression softened a little. “Don’t worry, I want those papers finalized even more than you do. At thetest, everything will be ready by the time of Grandmother’s eightieth birthday.”


    That was soon–just four days away.


    Elissa didn’t press further. She rested her finger on a particr use in the agreement. “If you don’t change this, I can’t sign.”


    The use stated that Elissa was not to tell Frank about the divorce until Carm allowed it.


    So far, so reasonable.


    But the second half read: If Frank found out about the divorce in advance, it would be considered a breach of contract, and Elissa would owe a


    five–million–dor penalty.


    Before Carm could erupt, Elissa spoke, calm andposed: