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 phra