Brendan was forcing her to make a choice. She could save whatever remained of her dignity, but Sterling would have to lose his on her behalf. She would have to doom him to save herself.

Brendan’s sadism knew no bounds. How could he be so heartless?

Deirdre sobbed. She felt faint spells, yet her heart was ironically much calmer than before. “It’s alright,” she said, her eyes as empty as her tone. “I’ll do it.”

The room cheered. It was what everyone wanted. Amid the revelry, though, was Brenda