The DesperationThe next morning, a letter came:
How dare you involve Ten in this matter? You got yourself into this, Jacqui, and you must find your own way out.
I am the Spadros Heir. I gave you everything I had. Yet it’s clear you see me as nothing more than a moneybag.
Your lies and secrets — which appear to be boundless — will trap you until you renounce them all.
Don’t contact me again.
Tears came to my eyes, and a lonely grieving remorse lay heavy upon me. I heard Tony’s voice, saw his pale stricken face, pictured the anger and hurt in his eyes.
Something had driven Mr. Pike to desperation, and he’d fixed his salvation upon me. What was I to do?
A knock at the door. Mary said, “Mum, may I come in?”
I felt weary. “Yes, come in.”
She began to open the door. “It’s about the temp
