Chapter 18

A few days later, Gloria died. Alexander didn't shed a tear at the funeral. But on the way back, he abruptly told the driver to stop, stumbled to the roadside, and collapsed into violent sobs. Zoey stepped out and reached to drape a coat over his shoulders until Audrey stopped her hand. She thought Zoey was too involved with her husband. When Gloria fell seriously ill, Audrey, as Alexander's wife, naturally returned with him. But Zoey, who was a distant relative, had actually dropped several major business deals to push her way onto the trip. Audrey couldn't shake the suspicion that Zoey had feelings for Alexander. Her gaze turned icy, sharp with hostility as she snapped, "I'll take care of my husband. You can step back, Aunt Zoey." She turned to hug Alexander, but he pushed her away. He broke down, screaming through his tears, "Get the hell away from me! Just spare me the misery, Audrey. Don't you dare show your face around me today! Just go!" Audrey's hand hung frozen in the a