Page 86 of The Devil of Downtown

Hugo staggers past, mumbling something obscene to hisguestfor the night.

Julian leans in. “Hugo Bexley looks like he’s one sip away from meeting God.”

“One sip?” I say. “Try one blink.”

We’re still laughing when Dad’s voice cuts through behind us.

“Dane.”

He stands rigid, jaw locked, wearing the smile that usually comes right before a political move or a family blow-up. Only this time, the smile looks like it's choking him.

“I need a word,” he says. “Both of you.”

Julian and I exchange a glance—the kind reserved for childhood emergencies and incoming disasters—and follow him out of the ballroom.

He leads us into a small private lounge off the hall. The second the door closes behind us, his façade drops.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he snaps, turning on us. “A private investigator? Digging up that accident again?”

Julian pales. My pulse spikes.

“Don’t bother lying,” Dad growls. “I know. I have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“We deserve answers,” I say.

“You deserve to leave the past buried,” he fires back. “There isnothingthere that will do you any good. Nothing.”

“Why?” I step in, heat rising hard and fast. “You got something to hide?”

“Dane—” Julian warns.

Dad moves toward me, fury flashing sharp. “I said, leave it alone. Your mother is dead. Helena is dead. And digging won’t change a damn thing.” His face flashes with something—not guilt, but fear masquerading as anger.

Julian puts a hand on my shoulder as I move even closer. “Dane,” he warns quietly.

I shrug him off, but the restraint costs more than it should.

I can’t breathe in this room—in this family.

Without another word, I turn and walk out.

Past the ballroom.

Past the music.

Past the spectacle.

Outside, the cold air douses the fire in my chest, and it’s the first clean breath I’ve taken all night.

My phone is in my hand before I even register moving, my thumb swiping over Ivy.

me

Can I see you?

I stare at the blank screen, waiting for god knows how long. Until I feel a soft hand on my shoulder.

“Dane,” Leandra says. “Charlotte is looking for you. Come back inside.”