NICHOLAS'S POV
"Closed casket, of course, since there's 'no body to recover.' He's trying to make it official, Simone. If everyone believes you're dead, there's no one left to challenge his claim to leadership." Isabella's eyes were bright with unshed tears.
"And if you ever do try to return..."
"I would be seen as an imposter," Simone finished, understanding immediately.
"Or worse....a ghost that needs to be put to rest permanently," Isabella said grimly.
The meaning hit me immediately. If Baron succeeded in convincing the family and their associates that Simone was dead, he could solidify his power completely.
It was a brilliant move, eliminating his greatest threat without actually having to kill her....at least not yet.
"Thank you for telling me," Simone said qu
