Page 27

Keiran

ONE WEEK AGO

The little cottage wasn't so little. Four bedrooms, wraparound porch, private beach access. The kind of "modest" hideaway that cost seven figures in Martha's Vineyard.

Marvin had chosen well—an island sanctuary where the wealthy went to escape. Far enough from Harbour Locke to avoid the press, exclusive enough to keep out unwanted visitors.

But not far enough to keep out Keiran.

He didn't bother knocking. The security system disarmed under his touch—money well spent on the information his men had gathered. Inside, the cottage was all bleached wood and nautical blues, trying too hard to seem casual when every fixture screamed luxury.

Voices drifted from the back deck. Keiran followed them.

"The lawyers think they can delay for another month," Marvin was saying, a glass of red wine dangling from his fingers. "By then, the media will have moved on to someone else's scandal."

"And Cadence?" Gail asked, her voice slightly tremulous. "Have you spoken to her?"

"Not since last week. She'll be fine—that restaurant of hers is doing well enough. Always was a stubborn girl."

Keiran stepped through the French doors. "A quality she didn't inherit from either of you."

The speed with which Marvin's face drained of color was almost comical. The wine glass slipped from his fingers, shattering on the deck.

"How did you—"

"Get past your security?" Keiran smiled without warmth. "The same way I got past the federal agents watching your accounts. The same way I got the proof of your embezzlement. The same way I found out who you really owe money to."

Gail's hand fluttered to her throat. "We don't know what you're talking about."

"Four million to the Costello family," Keiran said flatly. "An organization not known for its patience or forgiveness."

Marvin rose shakily to his feet. "What do you want?"

"To deliver a message." Keiran moved closer, enjoying the way Marvin flinched. "Stay away from Cadence."

"She's our daughter—"

"She's collateral damage in your pathetic attempt to save yourselves." Keiran's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "And I won't let you use her again."

"We've never used her," Gail protested weakly.

Keiran turned his cold gaze on her. "You made her believe she owed you for adopting her. Made her feel like she had to earn your love. And when she finally found happiness, you destroyed it with lies."

"Now, see here," Marvin blustered, some of his courage returning. "Whatever Cadence told you—"