Annabelle stormed into the study first, jaw clenched and chin held high, fully expecting Richard Barton to unleash hell the moment the door clicked shut.

But instead, he stood behind the massive desk like a statue-arms crossed, expression unreadable, not a flicker of anger on his face.

She folded her arms and stared him down. "Before you jump to conclusions, I didn't push your little darling. Julia tripped on her own lies and heels-and now she's doing what she does best. Playing the ...