Page 57 of Brutal Titan

“Elliot.” I suck in a breath as the sting of his words are evident as tears stream down Olivia’s face.

A guard approaches, telling Elliot it’s time to go. I fear it will set him off further, but instead, he pauses for a moment, looking to his mother as she sobs, hatred the only thing clear on his face before he steps away without a word.

My feet are frozen in place as I watch him calmly walk away, leaving his mom in tears and a roomful of people looking to him with concern. He never looks back as the guard escorts him out the room.

Stepping toward the door, I move to follow him, but Olivia’s voice halts me in my tracks.

Looking to her, I stand still, unsure what to say as her eyes dart around the room. Fixating on the employee across the room who is usually standing over her shoulder. “Do not let him come back here. Whatever you do, keep him away.”

“What?” Disbelief fills me, my stomach dropping at the fear on her face. “I don’t understand.”

“If you care about him, you’ll keep him away from here. And I know you care deeply for him—I’ve suspected it for years.”

My mind can’t catch up with anything she’s saying. The only thing that registers is that she doesn’t want to see her son. “Why?”

“It’s not safe for him, and now it’s not safe for you. Don’t come back here, Victoria.”

“Please tell me what’s going on,” I beg, not understanding what’s happening.

Her eyes fix on the guard as she speaks lowly. “Promise me you’ll keep him away and I’ll tell you.”

“Yes.” I agree because I have to make some sense out of this.

“I didn’t want to die, someone wanted me dead, and I can’t protect my son while I’m in here.”

“Who?” I don’t anticipate an answer, but she gives me one I never would have expected.

“Richard.”

“No, it can’t be true. We have to tell someone, call the police.”

“It is true, but you can’t say anything until I’m out of here. Elliot’s life depends on it. Richard had the police report doctored, so I don’t know who I can trust. As long as Richard doesn’t know I remember, Elliot will be safe. Richard wanted me gone because if we divorced, I’m entitled to his shares of the company and his father didn’t give him many. I wouldn’t agree because I didn’t want to leave Elliot behind.”

“But what about Elliot? What if he tries—”

“Elliot has had a will in place since Lawrence decided to pass the company onto him. Even Lawrence Bass doesn’t trust Richard, his own flesh and blood. If something happens to Elliot, the shares return to Lawrence or divert to me, unless I’m dead.”

“What about Lawrence? Maybe he can help.”

“I’m not trusting anyone until I escape this hell and can make sure he doesn’t harm Elliot or buy his way out.”

I have so many questions, but the guard is walking back in our direction as Olivia takes note. “Please, Victoria.”

The guard grabs her arm, leading her to the side door. I nod, affirming I will keep my promise, although I’m not sure how I’m going to.

Darting out of the room, I impatiently pass through each checkpoint, fearing Elliot has left without me. Shock stops me in my track as I exit the automatic door and see him leaning against the NSX, arms folded across his chest, ankles casually crossed. Spotting me, he shoves off the car, approaching me with an emotionless stare that is more ominous than his angry one.

He steps up to me, lightly clasping my hand. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have come. I shouldn’t have made you come.”

“It’s okay,” I say, disbelief at his calm demeanor after the rage I’d just witnessed. “Elliot, are you okay?”

His jaw clenches, showing the first emotion since his outburst upstairs.

“Elliot,” I step closer to him, but he turns, walking away while still holding my hand. Not saying a word.

“Hey, Victoria!” Jack calls out. All the blood drains from my face as Elliot looks between us with utter confusion.

I curtly nod, moving to head to the car but Jack doesn’t take the hint that I’m trying desperately to get away from him, and Elliot stands glaring at Jack as he walks closer to us.