Chapter 2
I stared at the form.
His handwriting was unmistakable.
Ethan Richard Carter.
Listed as co-owner of the account.
Listed as primary beneficiary.
All in his neat, careful script.
"Where did you get this?" I repeated, my voice shaking now—not from fear, but from rage.
Ethan took a step forward.
"Hannah, let me explain—"
"Don't come near us," I said, holding up my phone. "I'm calling the police."
His face changed. The caring boyfriend mask slipped. Something harder, colder, took its place.
"You're being irrational," he said. "I was trying to protect you. That money could disappear if you don't manage it properly. I was going to take care of you."
"By stealing it?" I said. "By slapping me when I wouldn't let you?"
Lily whimpered and pressed her face into my leg.
I looked down at her. At her wide, terrified eyes.
And I made a promise to myself.
I would never let anyone hurt her again.
Not even the man I'd thought I loved.
"Get in the car, Lily," I said quietly.
She climbed in without hesitation.
I turned back to Ethan.
"If you ever come near us again," I said, "I will make sure you spend the rest of your life in prison."
I got in the car. Locked the doors. Drove away.
May you like
He stood there in the parking lot, watching me go.
And I knew—this wasn't over.
