We stayed in the cabin for another week, just to be safe. On the third day, Marcus went into town and returned with news.
“Lucille Sterling has left the country,” he told us as we sat by the fire. “Officially, she’s seeking treatment at a private clinic in Switzerland for ‘exhaustion.’ Unofficially?”
“South America,” Olivia guessed.
“Arthur gave her a choice,” Marcus said. “Prison for fraud and attempted murder, or exile with a modest allowance. She chose exile. She’s gone, Olivia. She can never come back.”
“And the lover?” I asked.
“Fired. Blacklisted. He’ll never work in this state again.”
Olivia let out a long breath, her hand resting on her growing belly. “It’s over.”
“Not quite,” Marcus said. He handed Olivia a thick envelope. “Arthur sent this.”
Inside were divorce papers, already signed by Gavin. And a deed.
“He bought you a house,” Marcus explained. “In Pine Creek. Ten miles from here. It’s secure, private, and fully paid for. He also deposited a settlement into your account. Seven figures.”
Olivia looked at the deed, stunned. “Why?”
“Because you’re carrying the only thing he cares about now,” I said. “The future of his line.”
We moved Olivia into the new house a few days later. It was beautiful—spacious, full of light, with a nursery already painted a soft yellow.
