She leaned close to Marcus’s ear and whispered, voice low enough that the notary couldn’t hear.
“If you don’t sign,” she said, “I’ll make sure those boys never see you again. I’ll say you’re unfit. I’ll say you’re dangerous. I’ll tell the world their mother was a mistake and you were a worse one.”
It was the moment a person realizes the enemy isn’t outside the walls.
It’s in the bed next to you.
Cassandra straightened, turning back to the notary with polished calm. “He understands. Don’t you, Marcus?”
Marcus let his eyes close.
He let his face go slack.
And then, beneath the sheet, his hand slid toward the hidden device taped to his thigh.
Naomi saw the movement.
Her breath caught.
And Cassandra was about to walk straight into it.
5. The Maid Does the Unthinkable
Naomi had never considered herself brave.
Brave people, in Naomi’s mind, did heroic things on purpose. Brave people ran into burning buildings. Brave people spoke up without their voice shaking.
Naomi was simply someone who kept going because life didn’t offer a pause button.
But as Cassandra’s threats curled around the room like smoke, Naomi made a decision that felt like stepping off a cliff.
She stood.
“Excuse me,” she said politely, addressing the notary. “May I speak with you outside for a moment?”
Naomi didn’t flinch. “It’s about procedure.”
Cassandra’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t get to control anything here.”
Naomi’s voice stayed soft. “I’m not trying to control. I’m trying to protect.”
Cassandra’s mouth curled. “From what? A little water?”
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