Chapter Sixteen

"Now son," Sarah spoke calmly. "How do you propose to stop her?"

Would Sarah stand up for her? Lisa waited for his reply in tense silence, but his response filled her with equal anger and pain.

"That's just it. I'll propose."

Lisa clamped a hand over her mouth, her eyes burning with tears. So that was why he was so attentive. Wasn't there some law that prevented a wife from testifying against her husband? She swallowed a sob as Sarah's response came.

"And if she doesn't want to marry you?"

The telephone drowned out his response, and Lisa darted to her room. If they caught her listening into their conversation, there would be no chance to get away. In her room, the tears flowed freely. He cared nothing about her. His only concern was protecting his business, even if he had to marry someone he didn't love. A horrible thought burst unwanted into her mind. Did he marry Valorie for love, or because she found out about his business? Did she actually die in childbirth?

"Lisa?" Sarah's voice called down the hall. "Someone wants you on the phone."

Lisa wiped her eyes quickly. Who would be calling her on his phone again? Surely not Howard.

Opening the door, she kept her face hidden as she walked down the hallway. She took the receiver from Sarah.

"Hello?" she managed through a constricted throat.