Before I left, I'd given Eleanor evidence of Adrian's abuse specifically so he couldn't drag me back again.
The Prescott family was prominent and had extensive business interests, and its internal power struggles were vicious. If Adrian's scandal became known within the family, he would almost certainly be stripped of his authority. Eleanor didn't want that to happen.
A few minutes later, we were in the downstairs hall.
Vanessa was already gone.
Eleanor had me sit beside her while Adrian knelt in front of us.
She struck him with her cane, and he grunted.
"Does it hurt? Then you'll just have to take it. Everything Claire did had my approval!"
Adrian said, "I don't agree."
The cane came down again.
"Claire, go."
I got to my feet and hurried away.
Adrian struggled upright. "I won't
