James' mother marched toward the first-floor study. He gave Clara's hand a reassuring pat, saying softly, "Wait here. I'll be right back."
At Clara's nod, James rose to follow her—
"What is wrong with you?" The accusation rang out the moment he entered. "Why are you still with her?" His mother's voice carried clearly through the door, ensuring Clara heard every word from the living room.
"Clara is my wife." James' voice hardened. "Mom, what's with you and Grandma today?"
She snapped, "I never accepted her as family. That marriage only happened because of the baby."
Cutting off his protest, she continued venomously, "If you hadn't tied yourself to Clara, would you be in this mess? Your grandmother forced that wedding when she got pregnant, when Lori refused to bear your child. But now
