Ana's POV
Preston's voice cut through the tension like a blade, his tone brooking no argument. After delivering his verdict, he turned and headed upstairs without another word.
The silence that followed felt suffocating. I stood there, bewildered by what had just unfolded. Hours earlier, Preston had been furious with me for dragging Collin Group into this nightmare. Now he was standing guard over my marriage to Ridley like some kind of protective sentinel.
For the Collin family, the smart play would have been obvious—cut me loose, file for divorce, and throw me to the wolves. Let the internet mob tear me apart while they walked away clean. It would have saved Collin Group's reputation overnight, but Preston refused to take the easy road.
Allison's shrill voice shattered my thoughts as she exploded in the dining room. "You little witch! What poison did you whisper in Preston's ear? Why is he so hell-bent on protecting you?"
