The Billionaire and the Single Mom

on. Elara knew it couldn't last. Mark w

ise, angry script. Inside was a single sheet of paper. It was a printout of a state law regarding parental alienation, with certain sections

he'd used cash, the bank account was in her name only, she'd told no one wh

would poison them against her, turn them into mirrors of his own narcissi

ery sound, scrutinizing every car that passed on the main road far be

course he did. He

s mechanically dusting the same spot on a bo

jump. "The dusting is inadequate. And you've rearranged the boo

aid, her voice tig

om, his presence filling the space. "Th

shame and her fear locked away. But the words spill

taking the children." She wrapped her arms around herself.

assive, but his gray eyes w

financial advisor. Very controlling. He never physically hurt us, but... he

nical and precise. "A common and inefficient per

say that like it's a

be analyzed and neutralized." He pulled out his phone. "Sen

t? W

tralized," he said, as

don't want him... neutralized. I

s. Vance. I mean legally and strategically contained. He has threatened

yed not out of duty, but out of a desperate hope

s fingers flying over the

t's

citing the threatening letter. They will also begin a thorough audit of his business and personal f

cy of it was breathtaking.

have. The process has begun. Y

"Why? Why are you doing this? This goes

ur children are under my protection," he said finally. "It i

that, he

rst time since the letter arrived, she felt a sliver of real safety. He wasn't doing it out of kindness. He was doing it

ry restraining order against Mark, already signed by a judge. A note paperclipped to it,

eld the papers. It was a shi

ids, her burner phone rang. It was Mark.

Elara? What have you done? Who have you gotten involved with? My clients are being aud

," she said, her voice stronger than she felt. "Do not con

phone off, her heart hammering wi

d up at the main house. A light wa

dhood comfort. She put a dozen on a plate, told Liam she'd be rig

answered, looking surprised to see her. He was

g out the plate. "The restraining order came

r, a strange expression on his face.

pressing gratitude," she said, a

e hesitated, then did something utterly unexpected. "Would you li

ed. "I'd l

t time, she wasn't there as an employee. She was there