20

Chapter 20

Jason had spent the night in a guestroom on the other side of the house, but had not slept. He waited until Lanie left his bedroom the next morning before slipping inside to retrieve the file Marla Meyers had brought. Was it only two weeks ago? It seemed like a lifetime. No matter. It was time to disillusion his son about the gold-digging slut and to destroy her ability to further damage his family.

He found them together in the breakfast room. Josh was chattering away as usual, but Lanie looked wan, with purple bruises under her eyes. He should have relished proof of her agitated night, but he had to suppress a wave of remorse instead. She deserved what he’d done to her, and what he was about to do, he reminded himself.

“Good morning, Dad,” said Josh, sounding too damned cheerful. “You slept late, huh? I’m not used to you being the last one down.”

Jason dropped into his chair, careful to avoid Lanie’s probing gaze. “I had a lot on my mind.”

“Me too.” Josh took a deep breat