I let out a slow breath, irritation creeping in. “Why would she be? And I wouldn’t expect her to give a shit about me or Anika for that matter. She was paid to do a job,” I pause, my jaw tightening, “which she did badly,” I add. “Now, she’s unemployed.”
Dale studies me for a second, like he’s deciding how far to push. “She was good at her job,” he says eventually. “Anika was happy. Sebastian adored her.” I don’t respond. “She even managed to tame you for a while,” he adds, a smirk tugging at his mouth.
“Shut the fuck up,” I snap, my voice sharp enough to cut. “And keep your head in the game.” Dale just leans back, unbothered, taking another sip of his drink.
The elevator dings and both our heads turn as the doors slide open. Luke Malone steps out like he owns the place.
“What the hell are you playing at?” Luke growls as he steps farther into the office.
I lean back in my chair and grin. “I thought I’d give you the details for Anika’s funeral. Yah know, in case you wanted to say goodbye.”
His expression darkens instantly. “She signed her assets over to you?” he snaps.
“You look upset,” Dale says mildly, not even glancing up. “Want some water?”
Luke’s eyes flick to him. “So you can poison it?”
Dale shrugs. “I haven’t got a clue what you’re talking about.”
Luke lets out a harsh laugh. “I know what you did to the judge. Doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.”
“Careful, Malone,” I drawl, my tone lazy, but my eyes lock on his. “That’s a serious accusation.” I sit forward slightly. “Anika wanted me to protect her assets for Sebastian,” I continue. “They’ll be transferred into his name when he turns twenty-one.”
Luke’s jaw clenches. “Those assets are mine. I’m his father. Anika loved me.”
“No,” I say flatly. “She thought she did once. A long time ago. Before she realised what you are.” I hold his gaze for a second before continuing. “She made her wishes very clear. Her lawyer ensured she was of sound mind when she signed everything. There’s no confusion here.”
“You screwed me over,” he spits. “That money was meant to support Sebastian.”
“You’ve had seven years to prepare for that,” Dale cuts in calmly.
Luke ignores him, his focus snapping back to me.
“How is Sebastian?” I ask. “Have you told him?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“It is when I’m arranging the funeral,” I reply coolly. “I’ll send someone to collect him.”
Luke turns, stepping back into the elevator. Then he pauses, looking back over his shoulder. “You know she wanted to die, right?”
I stiffen, clenching my jaw as Dale fixes me with a warning glare. “Don’t rise to him,” he mutters under his breath.
But Luke isn’t done. “Funny thing is,” he adds, a cruel smirk pulling at his mouth, “you made it pretty fucking hard for anyone to get to her.”
The doors slide shut and I’m left with silence.
I rise to my feet and Dale watches me cautiously.
I growl, the release opening something inside I’ve been ignoring, and I swipe my arm across the desk, sending papers, glasses, anything within reach crashing to the floor.
“He did this,” I roar. “He fucking did this!”
WYNTER
The police station is busy and chaotic. I was told to be here for ten. It’s now half past, and I’m still sitting in the waiting area, nursing a pounding head and a stomach that hasn’t quite forgiven me for last night.
The door opens and Ray walks in.