I took it out and tapped the glowing screen under the light of a tall streetlamp.

The text came from Rosalind’s private cell number, going around her corporate lawyers entirely.

RETURN OUR MONEY OR COME BACK TO MY SON. BRIELLE’S TWINS MIGHT NOT MAKE IT, AND THIS FAMILY STILL NEEDS AN HEIR.

I sat completely still, holding the bright phone in both hands as the wind swept along the waterfront path.

Rosalind believed her frozen bank hold and her public threats would break me and send me running back to Manhattan to protect Theo’s reputation.

She had no idea I had Dr.