Christian's face had darkened, his expression an ominous storm. Madam Hart seized the moment to fan the flames. “It’s all because of that wicked woman,” she declared, her voice trembling with recrimination. “When Yun Yun and I arrived, we saw her in the hospital room, doing God knows what to your grandfather. And wouldn’t you know it, the moment she left, his condition worsened!”

The chill radiating from Christian’s body could have frozen a spring thaw. Madam Hart ...