—How long? —Katherine spits at him, her eyes filled with hatred. —It doesn’t matter —Alexander whispers, his face tense. —Of course, it matters —Lya stands up, her split lip trembling, her heart pounding, not caring that she is naked—. Because I’m pregnant. The silence crashes like thunder in the room, making the air feel heavier. Alexander stares at her, frowning, unable to believe it. Katherine gasps as if the air has been ripped from her lungs. —What did you just say? —he murmurs in a cold tone. Lya places a trembling hand on her stomach. It was now or never. —I’m going to have your child… and it’s a boy. Katherine freezes. She and Alexander had never been able to conceive. And now, the other woman, the mistress, had given him the one thing she had always wanted. —No… that’s not possible —Katherine whispers in denial, visibly relaxing in her husband’s arms. But the truth is right in front of her, and the venom in her gaze turns lethal. —If you think I will let you keep him… you’re wrong. —Katherine’s voice is deadly—. You will have nothing. Lya looks at Alexander, searching for something—anything—but he only averts his gaze. —Get dressed and get out —was all he said.