Chapter 5

“I didn't do it.”

I frowned and stared back at him.

“I didn't even see any reporters there.”

He gave an angry laugh.

“Who else would pull something this disgusting? You paid someone to film us and spread it around so she'd be ruined. Then she wouldn't be a threat to you anymore.”

He spoke through clenched teeth.

“Now I see what you really are. A nasty, manipulative bitch.”

I was shaking with anger.

“I said I didn't do it. Maybe a reporter happened to be passing. I don't know. It had nothing to do with me.”

He didn't listen to a word.

Instead, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me toward the door.

“Come with me. You're going to apologize.”

I pulled back.

“Are you out of your mind? If I show up, everyone will assume I'm responsible, whether I did it or not. Why should I apologize to her?”

He shoved me against the wall.

“You don't have a choice. If anything happens to Vivian, you'll pay for it.”

I trembled, unable to speak for a moment.

He was looking at me as if I were his enemy.

And I hadn't done anything.

“You're coming,” he said. “Whether you like it or not.”

I gave a short, contemptuous laugh.

“How? Are you going to tie me up? Beat me until I agree?”

He raised his hand, breathing hard.

“You think I wouldn't?”

I lifted my chin.

“Go ahead and—”

The front door opened a few inches.

“Daddy? Mommy? What are you doing?”

Nathan stiffened. Panic flickered across his face. He lowered his arm without explaining himself.

I pushed past him and stumbled over to Ellie, gathering her against me.

“Nothing, sweetheart. You know how you've been asking to go to the amusement park? Let's go tonight.”

Before we could step through, Nathan slammed the door shut.

His stare was cold.

“You aren't going anywhere until you apologize to Vivian.”

Ellie hadn't moved her hand out of the way. The door caught her fingers, and she screamed.

I slapped him.

“What is wrong with you? Our daughter is right here! Do you want her to remember this for the rest of her life?”

He stood there as if he hadn't heard. The red mark on his face only seemed to make him angrier.

“Ellie, Daddy needs to talk to Mommy. If I upset you, I'll say sorry when I get back.”

She was so small, but she still tried to stand between us.

“Please, Daddy. Don't fight with Mommy. Please.”

He reached for my arm, then stopped. For a moment, he seemed torn.

His assistant called again.

“Mr. Caldwell, she's climbed onto the ledge. If you don't get here soon…”

Nathan stopped hesitating. He caught my wrist and yanked me so hard that I lost my balance. My knees struck the floor.

But the pain was nothing compared with what he said next.

“Keep fighting me, and I'll make Ellie apologize too.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“Don't test me.” He looked down at me. “You won't get another warning.”

I gave a miserable smile and closed my eyes.

“All right. I'll come.”