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“From you,” I shouted.
My heartbeat pounded so loud in my ears I though my eardrums would explode. I’d known this wouldn’t be easy when I walked into the house, but I wasn’t prepared for this.
My chair scraped as I stood. “You have tried to destroy my life at every turn—”
“Wanting what’s best for you isn’t destruction.”
How dare he continue to spout his lies. I gripped the back of Pepper’s chair.
“That job is beneath you. And more than that, it’s dangerous,” he continued, as if my thoughts didn’t matter. Because they didn’t to him.
“And yet you colluded with this supposed uncle of mine, which nearly killed Pepper, Miss Adeline, the dogs, and me? Give me a break.” I threw my hands up.
“I had nothing to do with those fires or murders.” He remained calm, which only amped up my anger.
How could he be so emotionless?
“You were at every scene,” I shouted. “Who were those people at the fire Cassano was injured in?”
I’d never made their association, but they had to be related. Had to be.
He looked out the window.
Winston returned and removed our soup bowls. He gave me a silent nod of support.
When he disappeared, my father sighed. “Distant cousins of yours on your mother’s side.”
I sank back into my chair. “Did I know them?” After Mom died, we saw our grandparents and that was it. I had extended family, at least I’d assumed, but we had nothing to do with them.
“No. They received ten million of your grandparents’ estate.”
The amount was spoken so flippantly, as if everyone got that kind of inheritance.
Pepper balled her napkin in her fist.
Ash belonged to my family.
“I don’t understand the purpose of murdering them.” I dropped my chin to my chest. Guilt for their loss ate away at some of the anger.
“As I explained before, he felt he had been cheated out of what was rightfully his.” He adjusted his tie. “I’m not sure that one was aimed so much at you as just revenge for what he perceived was stolen from him.”
That made me feel only marginally better.
“He killed Cassano,” I said in a low growl.
“Did he know Koker was responsible for that fire?” Pepper asked.
My father’s face was an emotionless mask. “I don’t know.”
“You spent time with him. You have to know something.” My voice rose.
“He’s quite deceptive. Initially, my only interest in him was how he could be of use to get you out of that job.”
I yanked on my hair. “Why do you want me at Hollingsworth Properties so badly?”
“I’ve already explained it to you.”
I shook my head. “Not buying it. There’s more to it than you want all your children working for your beloved company.”
