Grace's body felt icy, her voice trembling to the point of being barely audible. "Barrett, don't forget, I'm your stepmother now. Whatever you plan to do to me, your father will never allow it.”

“Even if you expose what happened between me and Mrs. Taylor back then, don't forget, it was Lily who actually did it. I merely encouraged her a bit. How much guilt can I really bear?"

She knew that pleading with Barrett at this point was futile. Without the leverage of Christopher's heart donation, how could Barrett possibly let her off easily?

Her mind raced, desperately seeking a way out.

Seeing Barrett remain silent, she continued, "My...