Chapter 3

Before I could even react, Sebastian was already there, stepping in front of Clarity, shielding her.

"Nadia, didn't I tell you—don't touch what isn't yours."

His eyes were razor-sharp on me. But his face looked a little worn.

He'd come straight back before the anesthesia had even fully worn off—just to keep me from hurting Clarity.

Two years ago, when I was hospitalized after a miscarriage from overworking myself, Sebastian's only response over the phone was a flat:

"Take your rest, then get back to your post as soon as you can."

He'd even docked my pay for the two days I took off to recover.

The second Clarity saw Sebastian, her eyes welled up.

Seeing her tear up, Sebastian glanced at the shattered glass on the floor, and his face went dark.

He turned to the officer in charge.

"Nadia Graves tried to harm my fiancée. I want to press charges for attempted assault."

I tasted blood at the back of my throat. I didn't even get a chance to explain before I was dragged out of there.

The second I stepped outside, dozens of cameras with flashing lights were shoved right in my face.

"Is it true that you've been stalking and investigating Mr. Cross for three years?"

"They say you tried to hurt his fiancée while he was in surgery. Care to respond?"

I was shoved around so hard I could barely stand. A camera corner caught my forehead, leaving a few bloody scratches.

When Sebastian came downstairs and saw the scene, he frowned.

His eyes flicked to the cuts on my forehead. Lingered for a beat.

I thought he'd stop them.

But he just stepped forward and said, low and even:

"This is a family matter. No need for any of you to concern yourselves."

It looked like he was helping me out. But really, he'd just confirmed every question those reporters had asked.

Beside him, Clarity put on her victim face—but a laugh slipped out of her throat. She couldn't even hide it.

The last bit of hope I had left? Gone. Just like that.

At the station, Sebastian looked down at me.

"Apologize to Clarity."

"And if I don't?"

His voice went cold. "Then I'll pursue charges for trespassing."

I let out a bitter laugh and closed my eyes.

We'd known each other since we were kids. I was the one who helped him build everything from nothing.

When we bought that townhouse, Sebastian was so happy he scooped me up and spun me around the garden.

He said I'd be the lady of this house forever. He said he'd always be good to me.

Turns out "forever" has a pretty short shelf life.

When I didn't say anything, Sebastian frowned and opened his mouth to speak.

Clarity cut in, eyes red. "Just let it go. I mean, I was scared, but Nadia's just jealous..."

Sebastian's face went dark. "Apologize to Clarity."

"If you still want your father resting comfortably in that hospital."

My mind went blank.

My father had been paralyzed from a stroke for three years, living in a private room at Mount Sinai—funded by the Cross family.

I used to think that was proof of his love for me.

Now it was just a leash he could yank whenever he wanted.

I looked at him. And suddenly, I didn't have it in me to argue anymore.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have barged into your home. I shouldn't have bothered your fiancée. Is that enough?"

Sebastian's frown only deepened.

He went quiet for two seconds. Then he pulled out a divorce agreement.

"As long as you stop harassing Clarity, you'll get your fair share of the assets. Every penny."

When he handed it over, his fingers pinched the edge of the page. Like he was hesitating.

"As for your position at the company—I've already had Clarity take over."

"Young people pick things up fast. She's adapting well."

My hand paused as I reached for the document.

I was the one who'd been by his side, building Cross Industries from the ground up.

His health was bad, so I forced myself to learn how to network, make small talk, and represent him at every charity gala and investor reception.

During the busiest stretch, I didn't even go home. I slept on the office couch for over a month.

And now? He'd forgotten all of it.

The bitter Manhattan winter wind cut right through me. I breathed out a cloud of white.

Under Sebastian's gaze, I signed.

Watching me put pen to paper so easily, there was a tightness in his voice. Barely noticeable.

"You don't need to go over the asset split a few more times?"

I smiled.

"I want the townhouse. Would you be willing to give it to me?"

Sebastian went quiet for a moment.

"Anything but that one."

He said it with his eyes on the document. Not on me.

I opened my mouth.

Then I thought—

Forget it.

It's just a house. If I don't get it, I don't get it.

Besides, I don't want him either.