Chapter 3
“Leave,” Elena said coldly.
Maya pushed herself up on shaking arms.
“Or I’ll call the police and have you removed.”
The girl stared at her through rain-blurred eyes.
“You’re evil,” Maya whispered.
Elena gave a soft laugh.
“No,” she said. “I’m practical.”
Maya curled protectively around the wooden box, pressing it against her chest as the cold mud soaked through her clothes. Inside the box was the only thing her mother had insisted she protect at all costs.
The silver hummingbird charm.
Ten years ago, Arthur Sterling had given it to a young woman named Sarah.
Maya had never met her father.
But she had heard his name her entire life.
Headlights suddenly swept across the driveway.
Both of them turned.
A long black Rolls-Royce glided toward the gate, its engine humming smoothly through the rain.
The car stopped.
The driver’s door opened.
Arthur Sterling stepped out.
He was taller than Maya expected, broad-shouldered, his dark coat already collecting raindrops as he walked toward the gate.
May you like
His eyes moved first to Elena.
Then to the small muddy figure on the ground.
