“That nonsense is off the table.”
“I’m not asking for your permission. I’m informing you that my engagement with Queens is off. Effective immediately.”
“Are you choosing to side with Ethan?”
“This has nothing to do with that.”
“It has everything to do with that. Sebastian is our ally and a member of the Rhodes’ vote committee. He won’t vote in our favour if you dump his daughter.”
“Then find other allies. Sebastian Queens isn’t the only member of the Rhodes’ voting committee.”
He squints one eye at me. “It’s because of that Steel girl. I knew she was rotting your mind.”
“She’s mine, Jonathan. Mine.” I throw the hair towel away and walk to stand toe to toe with him. “Once you accept that fact, I’ll accept to be your heir. Until then, you’re my enemy.”
He stares at me for a beat. It’s not intimidation, more like contemplation.
I don’t know what he fucking expects. Does he think he can reach me now when he’s never made an effort before?
That ship has sailed with Alicia.
“You’re an ungrateful fucking brat.” His jaw clenches.
“I can’t think of a reason why I should be grateful to you.”
“Not to me, but to your mother. You have no respect for her memory.”
“Stop using Alicia in your mind games.”
“Games? Was her death a game? Have you forgotten who caused her accident?” He tilts his head with a manic look in his black-grey eyes. “Have you forgotten how many hours she suffered before she eventually died?”
“Elsa isn’t the reason.”
“Her father is.”
“And so are you.”
He pauses for a second, his jaw ticking. “What did you just say?”
“You heard me,” I speak in my deepest, lowest tone. “You burnt that factory down, knowing Ethan would retaliate by harming your most precious things. But you know what? That’s not why Alicia died. She died because she was trapped in this world when her soul lived elsewhere. All she needed was you and me to root her here. You knew her needs, but you barely spared her your time. Your hunger for power and your ambition came first, and we were an afterthought.”
“I did all of that for you.” He grits out. “I built King Enterprises for our family.”
“Alicia never needed the power or the name, she needed you and you let her down. You killed her slowly, Jonathan. So excuse me if I don’t believe in your useless revenge plot. You should’ve protected her while she was alive.” I brush past him to grab my clothes. “I won’t repeat your mistake.”
Jonathan says nothing. He just turns around and leaves.
The door clicks loud behind him.
Hear that, Alicia? That’s Jonathan finally feeling pain. You should rest in peace now.
I know she won’t. Her sad expression comes to mind. Her pale cheeks and the constant tears in her eyes.
She hated it when Jonathan was stressed or in pain. She loved the loser more than he ever deserved, and he reciprocated too late.
I won’t be my father.
After dressing up, I dial Nash. He picks up after the first ring.
“Are you ready?” I ask.
“Always.”
“Are Knight and Astor there?”
“Knight, yes. Astor is too high to move.”
Of course. And then he bitches about how we always keep him out.
“King?”
“Yes?”
“Let’s leave Adam some hope.”
“Why?”
“I want him to think he’s safe before we destroy him all over again.”
I smirk. I like that idea. “Deal. And Nash?”
“Yes?”
“It’s over with Queens, you petty, little bitch.”
“Fuck you.”
I smile while hanging up.
Time to take care of some overdue business.
21
Elsa
The energy in RES is volatile, to say the least.
It’s been a long time since I walked down the hall and had everyone watch me this closely. Like I’m an animal on display.
Beside me, Teal scrolls through her phone, oblivious to the attention and words said behind our backs.
“It’s because of her.”
“What do you think will happen now?”
“Is she really all that?”
“Shut up or you’ll be next.”
Despite my best attempts not to get caught in the drama, curiosity gets the better of me.
This must be about me, not Teal. Not only is she new, but she also doesn’t speak to anyone.
Kim runs towards me, shooing the students out of her way. She’s panting, her green hair flying in all directions. “Did you… Did you hear what happened?”
I shake my head.
“Adam Herran.” She breathes, a smile breaking across her face. “He’s quitting the rugby team and the school. He’ll enroll in the military academy. Isn’t that brilliant?”
On the surface, yes, it is brilliant. However, after Aiden and Cole’s reaction yesterday, I’m sure this isn’t a coincidence.
I grab Kim by the sleeves and pull