His Deal, My Son's Death

vender. I was in the Vance mansion, in one of their many guest suites. The memory of the h

ir by the bed, her eyes red-

, you' r

It was the only thought in my head. "I want t

ep sadness. She set the tea down and

ou to stay. After what he did... after his behavior at the

simple art history student. They were tech royalty. But they had welcomed me, treated me like a daughter, and they adored Leo.

ions and market shares. I gave up my own dreams of opening a small art gallery to be the perfect corporate wife. I endured his long hours, his emot

the sun

ines of sorrow and anger. He was a man used to being in control, a

u to know that this family will stand by you. Whatever you need, a lawyer, a pla

in my throat. I bowed my head slightly, a g

Ethan stood there, his clothes rumpled, his

ng with sarcasm. "Hiding with mommy and dad

ont of him. "Get out

n sneered. "She' s my wif

de towards the bed. He grabbed my

re going home. Enoug

d was repulsive. I f

" I said, my voic

what? You' ll cry some more? You' re a

ng he' d made. It was a picture of me, with a huge, bright smile. "You' re the best mommy

e loved, and felt nothing but contempt. His cruelty, his self

, my own eyes

ion. "What' s the matter? Cat got your tongue? Are you going

he silence stretching between us.

w, my voice clear and steady, c

Ethan. Le