The Cherished Wife

Charles looked up. "Back in the day..." He trailed off, "This girl isn't Kastor's daughter. If you're planning to get evidence from Aunt Nancy, you realize she'll get dragged down too, right?" Steven's eyebrow quirked up, but he kept silent.

Charles took a breath. "Is that why you haven't struck yet? Aunt Nancy doesn't have much time left, and you want to use her to spin your tale?"

Steven set down his chess piece and stood, his gaze icy as he faced Charles. "Looks like you're trying to talk me out of this chance!"

"No, it's not that. Whatever you decide, Peter and I have your back. However, Aunt Nancy is Tania's mom, and we can't just watch you go through with this." Charles stood too, hands buried in his pockets. "Just give us a little time. And remember, that girl is innocent." "Innocent?" Steven's laugh was sharp as ice. "No one's innocent in this world. She's got her agenda, and I've got mine. I'll hold off for now, but don't expect me to wait forever."

Steven muttered something under his breath and strode out of the Phoenix Tree Residence.

Charles's brow creased as he surveyed the chessboard before him, his frown growing more pronounced with each passing second.

resignation, Tania scooped up Brandon and retreated to

shoulder quelled that impulse. He watched her disappear around the bend of the staircase before

phone erupted into life. She glanced at the caller ID. "Hello, Trevon? What's up?

watch,

the call, gave Brandon a hurried look,

Noelle emerged from their room just in time to catch Tania's frantic exit. "Where

to go out for a bit. My husband Trevon... is in Brookville Tania said, giving Noelle a quick. look. "Could you watch Brandon for a little

late. It might not be safe for you to go

at the hotel. I just want to check on him, he seems

expression was serious, his eyes intense.

a moment. She snatched up her coat and