Sherry was so angry that she couldn’t think clearly. Mrs. Fielding’s unsteadiness and slurring had brought up memories long forgotten. Shaken by the frightening images of her childhood, all she had wanted to do had been to flee into Madison’s arms.

But with just a few sentences, Mrs. Fielding had thrown her feelings in the opposite direction. She couldn’t get away from Madison fast enough. Like her mother, Madison had lied to her, manipulated her, and used her.

Her heart hammered against her ribcage as if planning to crush it. “When did your grandmother tell you to dump me?” Sherry couldn’t believe how calm she sounded.

“It wasn’t like that.” Madison opened her side window a crack as if needing more air.

“I’m waiting.” She didn’t want to hear Madison’s voice right now, but she wanted—no, she needed to know how long Madison had played her for a fool.

“She told me a few weeks back. Shortly after I began working at the firm.”

“A few weeks back?” Sherry croaked.

“She said I should search for another girlfriend, one that in her opinion would suit me better.” Madison stared ahead, but in the intermittent light of the street lamps it almost seemed as if she was blinking more often. Was she fighting tears?

For a split second, confusion clouded her anger. Why had Madison lied to her? It made no sense. “We had an agreement. I was going to help you secure your inheritance. I held up my part of the deal. But you lied to me, used me.”

“What’s your problem?” Madison almost hyperventilated. “My behavior was to your advantage, wasn’t it? As long as this continues, you’ll get your money.”

“What’s my problem? You lied to me!” For the first time in her life, she had to hold herself back from slapping someone. “Did you think if we kept playing our roles that you would eventually get me to sleep with you? Is that it?” She knew instantly that this wasn’t the case, but what else could it be? Was she afraid of losing their friendship? If she was, she had done exactly the wrong thing. You didn’t lie to friends. Especially not like this.

Madison roughly wiped away a tear running down her cheek. She shook her head but then started nodding. “Damn, you got me. That was my plan.” It sounded so artificial. “It almost worked. Anyway, we’re done. The contract is officially terminated. I’ll arrange the transfer of the ten thousand dollars tomorrow and will get someone to help you move out. This also applies to Rita Mae, should she choose to leave as well.” Madison swallowed. “I’ll keep paying for Jake’s school. The amount is peanuts to me, and he’s only just started his new school year, so…” Madison left the rest of the sentence unsaid.