She spotted Yvonne. “Good, you’re here.”

Yvonne frowned. “What are you doing here?” Madison was due to leave for her honeymoon later in the evening. “Shouldn’t you be at the airport? Is there a problem?”

“No, everything is fine. We rescheduled our flight for tomorrow morning.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“I’m here to be your witness.”

Yvonne blinked. “What are you talking about?” She lowered her voice. “I’m not going to ask you to lie for me.”

“I don’t intend to.”

“I don’t understand-”

The door to Bill’s office opened. An older man wearing a pair of reading glasses stepped out into the waiting room.

“Yvonne, are you ready?” Bill said.

Yvonne looked at Madison, who nodded. She looked at Ruby, who would barely meet her eye. Yvonne wasn’t ready at all.

But there was no point in delaying the inevitable.

“We’re ready,” Yvonne said.

She stood up and followed Bill into his office, Ruby and Madison behind her.

“Hello, Yvonne.”

A chill went down Yvonne’s spine. She turned to see Nicholas leaning casually against the wall, a dark look on his face.

“Nicholas,” Yvonne hissed. “What the hell are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you to stay away from me and Ruby?”

“What do you think? I was just telling Bill all about your little marriage arrangement.” Nicholas crossed his arms. “Did you think I was going to let you get away with this? Did you think I was going to let some hooker get her paws on Father’s money?”

Yvonne’s hands curled into fists. “You-”

Bill cleared his throat. “Now, let’s all have a seat and calm down. Everyone will get a chance to speak.”

Anger simmering inside her, Yvonne took a seat in front of Bill’s desk alongside Ruby and Madison. Nicholas remained standing, his expression smug. It was taking all Yvonne’s effort to remain civil.

“Now,” Bill addressed Ruby. “You must be Yvonne’s wife. Ruth Scott, is it?”

Ruby nodded.

He turned to Madison. “And I take it this is your witness?”

“Yes.” Madison held out her hand and gave Bill’s a firm shake. “Madison Sloane.”

“Sloane? Ah, I believe I went to school with your father. How is he?”

“Can we get on with this, please?” Yvonne didn’t want to remain in the same room as her brother any longer than necessary.

“Yes, of course.” Bill opened a folder on his desk. “Now Yvonne. To begin with, I’ve heard some troubling things from your brother. He tells me that you and Ruth entered into a fraudulent marriage in order to gain access to your inheritance, among other things. These are some serious accusations. However, considering your brother has something to gain from you not receiving your inheritance, it’s important that I hear your side of the story.”

Nicholas spoke up from the corner. “Her side of the story? Isn’t it obvious? This whole marriage of theirs is a scam. I’ve shown you the evidence.”

Bill ignored him. “I’m giving you the chance to show that these accusations are false. Do you have anything to say, Yvonne? Are the accusations true? Is your marriage fraudulent?”