Steven’s eyes flicked to Eve, and the look in them made her chest go cold.
“Eve,” Steven whispered, voice hoarse. “I’m trying to protect you two.”
Eve’s throat tightened with anger so sharp it almost steadied her. “Protect us?”
Steven’s shoulders sagged. “You don’t understand what they’ve done. If the world knows the Ashbrooks will be done for, and that means Ryan and my grandchild will be affected too. I was never going to tell on them, you know. I just wanted them to pay.”
Ryan’s voice cut in, controlled. “Then explain.”
Steven’s mouth trembled. “I can’t.”
Ryan’s eyes hardened. “Then you don’t get my help.”
Steven looked like he’d been hit.
Eve stepped forward before she could stop herself. “Father.”
Steven’s gaze snapped to her.
Eve’s voice shook, but it didn’t break. “Are you
