Chapter 30

Ryan lets out a shaky breath. “So this is what it comes down to? Blackmail?” “Call it what you want,” Elaine says. “But yes, Ryan. Blackmail. You want Julie back? You want your life back? You get me out of here. Simple as that.” He runs a hand through his hair, barely able to look at her. He doesn’t want to do this. The very idea makes him sick to his stomach. But what choice does he have? Julie is slipping through his fingers, and with her goes everything—his reputation, his family’s respect, his carefully crafted life. “Fine,” he says. “I’ll talk to my lawyer. If, by some miracle, he gets you out, you’re going to fix it. You’re going to make Julie see that this divorce is a mistake.” Elaine’s smile is wide. “Of course,” she purrs, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. “I’ll do whatever it takes, darling. I’m sure Julie and I will have a lovely little chat.” He can feel bile rising in his throat. He stands, shoving his chair back, unable to stay in the room with her any longer. He turns