Introduction

My father' s Medal of Honor sat on my dresser, a stark reminder of sacrifice.

With my mother dying and medical bills crushing us, I agreed to Eleanor Thornton's offer: marry her comatose son, Ethan, for my mother's life.

Five years later, I'd raised Leo and Lily, managing the estate.

Then Ethan awoke.

His first words were a snarl: "She looks like a gold-digger."

With his mother and ex-girlfriend Ashley, he launched a campaign of humiliation, twisting my every action.

They staged a fake poisoning, making me appear malicious.

My defenses fueled their accusations, confirming my supposed greed.

Then came the ultimate threat: he'd gain sole custody, declaring me an unfit mother.

"Ashley will be the mother to my children."

That was the breaking point.

I would not lose my children.

I wrote to General Markwell, my father' s closest friend, invoking the honor he stood for.

The sudden arrival of a JAG officer at our mansion signaled the Thornton family was about to face a power far beyond their influence.