When she was starving and struggling, he was probably eating like a king with the woman he loved.

"Can you let go?" Clara asked. "I believe we've said everything that needed to be said in court. I've served my time in prison, just like you wanted. Does Mr. Birch require anything else from me?"

Wilson Birch narrowed his eyes. The woman before him no longer possessed the tenderness he remembered from years prior. It felt like she was covered in thorns, keeping others at bay.

Her use of the phrase "let go" stung his ears.

"Clara Wells, you don't honestly believe that spending a few years in prison is enough to atone for your crime, do you?!" Wilson Birch spoke coldly, his slim fingers gripping Clara's arm harder. "You're too naive if you think that!"

Clara chuckled in response. He's calling her naive?

He had already shattered every bit of naivety in her. "I don't owe you anything, Wilson Birch," she declared, raising her chin and meeting his gaze head on.

Her life may be sad and p