They reached my hotel before I did. My parents, Sebastian, and Elias were waiting when I stepped from the elevator into the high, cathedral-like marble lobby.
They had chosen a public place. Here, walking away would make me look cruel.
My mother reached me first. At Chloe’s birthday party, pride had kept her from speaking my name. Now her hair had come loose, and she dropped to her knees on the marble.
“Aria, forgive us. Please come home.” Her fingers caught the hem of my gown.
Father held out a thick leather portfolio. His hands had once stayed steady over contracts worth millions. Now they shook against the cover.
“Forty percent of the Sterling Corporation. It is legally yours, along with everything your mother and I own. Let us be your family again.”
Elias took another set of docu
