Anna's lips parted, but no sound came out.
She looked at the priest again—pleading, silent, terrified of what she didn't yet understand.
And in that moment, Carden knew two things with terrifying certainty: Touching her would destroy his cover.
Not touching her might destroy her.
"Your wife...?" Carden asked again, still in shock.
"Yes, you heard me," Arnold replied coolly. "Someone has been a bad girl, and she needs some prayers."
He glanced at Anna, who looked away.
"You want me to pray for her?" Carden asked, still stunned by Arnold calling Anna his wife.
"Yes, I want you to," Arnold said. "But I don't like doing it in the chapel. Tomorrow, by 12 p.m., my men will bring you to my mansion."
He glanced at his wristwatch.
"Oh, it's work time. I need to go no
