CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR – AN OLD OBSESSION RETURNS

Alexander Montgomery looked utterly undone. His eyes were shadowed, his immaculate appearance in ruins as he clutched Emma's hand in the opulent sitting room of their Hamptons estate. "How did we let things spiral so far?" he rasped, voice hoarse from anguished shouting. Emma stroked his hair gently. "You know your brother had more than a few enemies, Alexander. We can't take all the blame." "But the Prestons..." A muscle ticked in Alexander's chiseled jaw. "They did this. To punish me for pursuing Charlotte. I'm sure of it." "We have no proof of that." Emma's tone was cautious, calming. "The police are investigating all avenues." "Those back-stabbing Prestons have wanted me six feet under for years!" Alexander's anguish twisted into sudden rage and he hurled a crystal tumbler across the room. It shattered with a satisfying crash, shards skittering everywhere. Emma flinched but held her ground, voice low and soothing. "Taking your fury out on me won't bring Marcus back, my love.