"The heel never touched her stomach, but it told him exactly what kind of woman he had married into."

Olivia arrived at the mansion just after eight.

The foyer was too bright.

That was her first warning.

Every sconce was lit. The glass console table had been decorated with silver branches and crystal ornaments. The checkerboard marble floor shone like a stage.

Scarlett stood near the center in a burgundy evening dress.

No dinner table was set.

No relatives waited in the drawing room.

No staff moved in the hallway.

Just Scarlett.

“You came alone,” Scarlett said.

Olivia stopped near the doors. “Nathan is coming.”

Scarlett smiled. “Of course he is. Men like him always rush in when there’s a chance to look noble.”

Olivia’s fingers tightened around her clutch.

“I’m not here to fight.”

“No,” Scarlett said. “You’re here to act wounded until everyone gives you what you want.”

Olivia took one slow breath. “I know about the transfers.”

Scarlett’s smile faded.

“I know Dad found them,” Olivia continued. “I know that’s why he changed the will.”

For the first time, Scarlett looked truly exposed.

Then her eyes moved to Olivia’s belly.

“That baby doesn’t make you family.”

The words were so ugly that Olivia forgot to breathe.

She reached for the door handle behind her.

It did not move.

Scarlett’s smile returned.

“I told the staff to lock the side entrances too,” Scarlett said. “We’re going to finish this before your husband arrives.”

Olivia’s hand flew to her phone.

Scarlett lunged.

The phone hit the marble and slid beneath the glass console table.

Olivia backed away, heart pounding.

“Scarlett, stop.”

But Scarlett had already lost the polished mask.

“You think you can take the foundation?” she hissed. “You think you can take Dad’s name, Dad’s money, Dad’s legacy, and hide behind a baby while you do it?”

“I didn’t take anything.”

“You were born taking.”

Scarlett stepped closer.

Olivia lifted one hand, not to fight, but to protect the space between them.

“Don’t touch me.”

Scarlett’s jaw clenched.

Then the crystal bowl on the console table crashed to the floor as Scarlett shoved past it.

Pieces scattered across the marble.

And before Olivia could turn away, Scarlett grabbed her by the upper shoulder and chest area.