Page 11 of Shadowed Agenda

“Emmeline’s heart surgery next week will leave you broke,” Nicholas said.

Regan shook her head. She should have expected him to look into her financial affairs. “Divorce settlement. Not your problem.”

“My lawyer is drawing a new custody agreement,” Nicholas continued as if Regan had said nothing. “I’ll take care of all medical costs. You’ve had time with Emmeline. I’ll be asking for full custody.”

“That’s not how parenting works. You’re wasting your time and money,” Regan said. Nicholas had boasted that their divorce contract and child custody agreement were so tight she could never fight him later. “Divorce and custody agreement are set in stone. One you insisted on.”

“I’m certain therightjudge won’t have a problem revisiting the terms of the custody agreement.” He stood and buttoned up his suit coat.

Nicholas had bought off a judge. Regan stared at him, tongue-tied.

“There is another option, of course. You could always remarry me,” Nicholas said and raised an eyebrow. “There was one thing we’d always been good at together.”

Regan seethed with rage and threw her words at him like stones. “I will never remarry you, and I will not allow you to play even the most insignificant role in my child’s life. Tell that to your lawyer and your PR consultant.”

“I’d consider my offer,” Nicholas said, walking to the suite’s door. He turned. “And stuff the hostility, or I may reconsider the generous visitation rights I instructed my lawyer to put in the agreement.” He closed the door behind him.

Regan let out a frustrated scream. Nicholas had been right about her financial situation. After paying for Emmeline’s heart surgery next week, she’d be broke again. It didn’t matter. She would not let Nicholas win. She’d take out a loan. It wouldn’t be the first time.

Her stomach churned as she thought about the divorce and child custody agreement. Her file had been handed down to a lawyer who’d recently joined the firm. What if he’d missed something? She’d need to contact her entertainment lawyer. When it came to contracts, he was ruthless. Surely, he’d be able to read over the contract to make sure Nicholas hadn’t slipped in some slickly written loopholes.

And if he had? Regan may have no choice but to remarry the bastard. It would be the only way she wouldn’t be pushed out of Emmeline’s life.

Regan refused to deceive herself. For now, Nicholas had decided they were better for him to use to move up the political ladder. Later, the role of a grieving widower might suit him better.

Regan’s insides churned as she thought about Nicholas’ business associates and the conversation she’d overheard. They were ruthless, and one night, she learned that Nicholas was no different.

Her cell phoned dinged with a text message. Regan looked at the screen and then tapped on the message.

A mother’s place is with her child.

Her first thought went to Nicholas, but she knew he didn’t play games. He was like a black mamba—swift and deadly.

The Senator’s supporters had to have uncovered that she had a daughter.

Chapter six

Pavloturnedandlookedat the man walking down the hallway to the elevator. He’d just left Regan’s suite and turned and glanced in Pavlo’s direction. Pavlo was sure he knew the man but couldn’t place him.

He knocked on the door, and it flew open.

“You’re wasting your time. Your threats won’t work,” Regan said, anger rolling off her.

Pavlo immediately turned and looked once more at the retreating man. Nobody else was in the hallway, so Regan must have assumed the guy had returned.

Her hand shot out and clutched his forearm, stopping him from running down the hallway.

“It’s not what you think. I’ll explain on the way to meet Isla in the lobby,” Regan said. “Let me grab my purse.”

Pavlo hesitated and looked down the hallway once more. The guy had reached the elevator and jabbed the down button. Pavlo could still catch up to him on the main floor if he took the stairs.

“Please,” Regan said, sensing his indecision, a spot of red coloring each cheek. Whatever was going on, it wasn’t something she wanted to share.

Too bad.

“We’ve got a few minutes,” Pavlo said and walked into her suite. He’d find the man later if he needed to. First, he wanted to know who he was and why he had threatened Regan.

“Why don’t you come in,” Regan said as she closed the door behind her, the words dripping with sarcasm.