From Ashes to Sunrise

felt even quiet

got married, my mother drank too much one night and fell down the stai

care. Later he claimed the company was stru

marriage wore her down. For the sake of a man who never loved her, she for

come a second v

gh my mother's belongings, then went to retrieve t

Colton. I need money for the funeral arrangements, and I need these pieces t

ath, then promised with confidence that he would get me

ton villa and began packing again, dete

his brows furrowed slightly. "I know your mother

ity. "I can delay the paperwork a few mo

took out my identification, and slapped it

unned. He clearly hadn't ex

s or bluff. When he realized I was serious, an inexplicabl

Colton actually spoke first for once.

his face after being rejected, turned, a

one rang. An unf

through. "Miss Elliott, this is Edmund Holt.

been settled and hurried to apologize. "Mr.

all. I just wanted to ask if you're free right now.

ce carried a soothing quality tha

cost, then give me your account n

ke again, still in that warm tone. "I think, to be fair, the ass

left no room

uto shop, I immediately saw the two

e two of them stood beside a Porsche

end I hadn't seen them, but Colton spotted me

cept right now, but Colton has already divorced you. Please stop clinging to him, okay? I suggest you don

other ignited fury

hen, how could my gentle, dignified mother have bee

d slapped Shirley h

e force and delicately f

rotectively in his embrace and shouted

y word. "You want to steal Derek and Colton? Go ahead. But if

and a trace of guilt crept in. "Fine. You've made your scene and hit her. Isn't that enough

om behind. "Your mother-in-law just passed away, and you're already out sh

in shock. It w

ng me behind him. "Besides, Miss Elliott is here

burn. Seeing Edmund standing protectively b

I misjudged you completely. The moment you're divorced you're

urned the mockery cold

ords, his expression

vorced," a subtle change flick

fatal accident abroad ha

death, the first news he received was tha

lton wasn't a terrible person, so Edmund ha

s from their youth deep in his h

nly had the chanc

s intense gaze and called out loudly. Only then did

d and led me away. Colton watched us

on't get yourself upset. My sister has always been t

Shirley and fin

feeling. Why on earth was he so angry