Zack knew today was the day Margaret would reveal Lucas's true identity to the world. He and Hannah had only signed the papers back then, no wedding banquet, no fanfare. To the townsfolk who only recognized Claire as his wife, they'd spun a convenient lie: the boy was adopted from some distant Pierce cousin.
He'd clawed his way to this position. Enemies lurked in every shadow, waiting for a misstep. This charade was the only way to protect himself, and Hannah had swallowed her pride for years to play along.
Guilt hit him like a punch to the gut. When her tears overflowed, he folded, pulling her close. "I've put you through hell," he whispered.
Eyes shut tight, he made his choice. "After tonight, I'll handle Claire. She'll accept you. I'll make sure of it."
Hannah clung to him in silenc
