Chapter 19

It was clear that Adeline wanted to sever all ties with Sullivan, and that made his heart sting with pain. A bitterness filled his mouth as the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat. It took him a great deal of effort to say, "Maddie, I was too stubborn back then. I refused to accept our relationship because it started off as a transaction. But once I found out you'd died, I finally realized just how foolish I'd been. You have to believe me, Maddie. I really do love you—" Adeline interrupted, asking, "You love me, and?" Instead of continuing her attempts to correct the way Sullivan addressed her, she chose to skip ahead to the other topic. Sullivan froze, not quite understanding her question. With both her face and voice devoid of any emotion, Adeline continued, "Can't you see what's going on? If Madeleine Emerson continues to be involved with Sullivan Carter in any way, death is the only thing that awaits her. I doubt you haven't noticed anything strange at all." Adeli