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“I accept cash and Bitcoin only. Wouldn’t want the feds to take their forty percent.” I straightened, gesturing to my Prius. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Constance Sun glanced at her Apple watch, shook her head, and stared up at the sky, which had decided to sprinkle rain onto this already miserable encounter. “One-point-five.”
Oh my God.
She was serious.
“Two million, or you’ll have to suffer through sharing a dinner table with me every Thanksgiving.” I grinned. “I’ll buy you the ugliest sweaters for Jesus’ b-day.”
“We’re atheists.”
“I’m not. Zach will respect my religion.” I cocked my head to the side. “Are you a small or extra-small? And do you prefer space pizzas or Christmas lights?”
Panic skated over her face.
She’d actually taken me seriously.
“Fine. Fine. Bitcoin.”
I was momentarily speechless.
She wanted to give me two million dollars to quit?
A part of me—a big part—wanted to take it.
But another part told me Zach had offered something far more precious than cash. The most talented, connected lawyers and private investigators and unlimited resources to get to the bottom of what happened to Dad.
“Actually.” I scrunched my nose. “I think I’ll stick around, after all. Nothing like a job that gives you a bit of gossip.”
Her hand flew to her chest.
It took everything not to burst into laughter. Rich people weren’t used to being rejected, especially after flaunting their money.
If she’d approached me politely, without condescension and cruel assumptions, I might have said yes.
But we’d never know now.
“This isn’t over.”
“I’m not afraid of you, Mrs. Sun.” I drew out the words, maintaining eye contact. “You won’t bully me into submission.”
She pinned me with a look before disappearing as fast as she’d come.
Sensing something—someone—I twisted my head, looking up to the grand bay windows of Zach’s manor.
He stood there, staring out the glass. At me.
Our gazes tangled.
His didn’t waver.
I’m not going to back down, my eyes said.
He smiled, and I could almost hear the word on his lips.
Good.
Ari:
