Tricia’s phone buzzed with a call from an unfamiliar woman. When the stranger imed that Evander had been diagnosed with cancer, Tricia froze for several seconds before letting out a coldugh. “I don’t care who you are–if you’re going to make things up, you’d better have some proof.”

    The woman on the other end chuckled rather than taking offense. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. So, how about this? I know that behind that car ident Loretta orchestrated, you were the real mastermind, weren’t you?”

    Tricia’s expression hardened. “Who are you?”

    “No need to worry about who I am. I’m not your enemy.” The woman’s voice was steady, almost amused. “You convinced Loretta to arrange that ident, and after Mr. Howard was pulled back from the brink, the Howard family made sure he disappeared from the public eye. They told everyone he’d gone abroad for treatment, and Charlotte’s been stranded in the Capital ever since. If it weren’t for my people bringing back a few scraps of information from the Capital, I’d never have been able to share this secret with iyou/i. Believe me or not, you’re free to investigate for yourself.”

    Tricia’s grip tightened around her phone, her face growing darker by the second. “What do you want?”

    “I want to propose a deal.” The woman’s tone was unhurried, almost casual. “Don’t you resent Evander for abandoning you? Don’t you hate Charlotte for stealing your man? I can help you. But I’ll need something from you in return.”

    Tricia let out a dryugh. “I don’t appreciate being threatened. I don’t care who you are–right now, you’re the one asking for my help. Why should I do anything for you?”

    Chapter

    “Because I know all about you and Finnick Vinterberg…”

    Tricia’s knees nearly buckled; all the blood drained from her face.

    Just hearing that name made her heart stop and filled her eyes with a lingering, unmistakable fear.

    When Tricia didn’t answer, the woman knew she’d struck a nerve.

    “Miss Winthrop, think it over. You wouldn’t want Mr. Howard to find out what happened back then, would you?”

    Tricia nearly bit through her lip. After a moment, she managed to steady herself. “I don’t even know your name. How am I supposed to trust you?”

    “My name is Donovan. If you want to know more, I’ll send you an address tomorrow afternoon.”

    With that, the call ended.

    Tricia stood there for a long time, feeling truly threatened–and terrified–for the first time in her life.

    Evander already despised her. If Hans’s real father was exposed, and Evander learned she’d lied to him for all these years, she might not

    survive the fallout…

    No matter who this woman was, Tricia knew she had no choice but to

    meet her.

    Outside, the night deepened,

    Charlotte spent the night in the hospital’s family guest room, drifting in and out of a restless bsleep/b. Half–awake, she sensed someone slipping into bed beside her and jolted upright.

    Because it was a hospital guest room, the door didn’t have a lock, so her sleep was already light and uneasy.

    She knew exactly who it was. As she tried to sit up, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against a warm chest. “It’ste. Where do you think you’re going?”

    12.43 )

    “Who told you toe up here? Get out.” Charlotte struggled in vain, finally biting down on his arm hard enough to leave a mark.

    He grunted in pain but didn’t let go. “I just want to hold you while I sleep. That’s all.”

    Charlotte’s body remained tense, every muscle braced.

    He noticed, and gave a low chuckle. “What do you think I can do, looking like death warmed over? I value my life itoo /imuch right nowi./ii” /i

    She shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm, “Value your life? Didn’t you want to die?”

    He went quiet for half a minute. “Before I go, I’d rather spend what time I have left with you.”

    In the darkness, Charlotte stiffened.

    What was that supposed to mean?

    Spend his time with her? Was his illness clouding his mind?

    Before she could collect her thoughts, he moved in closer, burying his face in her shoulder. “Charlotte, I used to think I didn’t love you. But the truth is, I fell for you a long time ago.”