“This blood belongs to Nicholas,” Nathaniel said slowly.

“What?” Cecilia’s voice broke with disbelief.

“I’ve had him locked up,” Nathaniel continued. “I went to see him tonight… and I beat him again.”

That one word echoed in Cecilia’s mind—again.

Until now, she had only suspected that Nicholas’s disappearance was connected to Nathaniel. She had never imagined her husband was personally going to see him… and hurting him.

“His health has always been fragile,” she said, unable to hide her concern. “What if something happens to him because of you?”

Nathaniel let out a short, cold laugh. “If something happens to him, I’d call that good luck—for him.”