One hundred and twenty million,” my former father-in-law said, nudging the check across the mahogany desk as though my marriage, my future, and my silence could all be…

The surprise I had been waiting to tell Julian for three days, ever since the doctor confirmed it with wide eyes and repeated tests.

Quadruplets. Four babies. A medical miracle.

Now, it was a secret I would take with me.

“Fine,” I said.

One word. Calm as a graveyard, cold as winter.

I picked up the pen he had laid out, flipped to the last page of the divorce decree that had clearly been prepared days ago, and signed my name.

Nora Vance.

Not Sterling. Vance.

I never really belonged to them anyway.

I picked up the check, folded it carefully, and slipped it into my pocket.

Then I walked out of that study for the last time.

The air in the study turned to stone as I pocketed that check.

Arthur looked genuinely stunned. He had clearly practiced his angry father-in-law speech for an hour, prepared counterarguments for my tears and pleas.

I had just robbed him of the performance.

Julian finally looked away from his phone. His brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing his perfect features, perhaps even a hint of something darker.

But I did not care.

Whatever emotions he was capable of feeling, they came three years too late.

“I will be out in thirty minutes,” I said.