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But he listens calmly to all their proposals, then nods. “I’d rather not get involved for now, I think it’s a non-story that will blow over quickly, but just in case, let’s prep for Sukie’s PR offensive. I’ll assess the media attention in the coming days, and we can be ready to deploy if things move against us. What matters is that Wolfe Capital will be posting record profits if we follow the restructuring plan.”
I listen to him in horror. What really matters is his profits right now?
“And will you attend the funeral?” someone asks.
Sebastian gives a derisive snort. “I have better things to do than go where I’m not welcome. Moving on: Luke, where are we on the southeast Asian numbers?”
I stumble back from the door. I can’t believe it. I feel like the blinders have just fallen from my eyes, and I’m seeing Sebastian for who he truly is again.
The corporate raider. The merciless villain. The man that treats human life so casually—coming behind profits on his priority list.
God, how could I have been such a food? Thinking he wanted to change, that there was a good man hiding beneath all his torment and pain? He can act like he feels bad about the past, but it’s just that: an act. He has a trail of bodies littered behind him now.Patrick Wolfe, Bianca’s father, Miles, Alistair Dunleavy….And while he may not have held a gun to their heads and pulled the trigger, he’s killed them in every way that matters.
It’s their blood on his hands.
He’s destroyed countless lives without thinking twice, and he’ll just keep doing it.
Unless somebody stops him.
I pause by the staircase, my resolve hardening into a shard of pure steel. I came here with the task of finding what he loves most and taking it away from him, just like he did to me.
Well, he lovesmenow.
And I know what I have to do.
“Avery?”
I turn. Sebastian has emerged from the office, looking pleased to see me. “I didn’t expect to see you back,” he says, approaching. “Sorry about the full house,” he adds, nodding back to his office. “Just boring business details, nothing important.”
Nothing important… I try not to let my disgust show as he drops a casual kiss on my lips.
When he pulls away, I take a deep breath. No point in delaying this.
“I’ve been thinking about your proposal,” I begin. “I have an answer for you.”
Sebastian pauses, searching my face. “You do?”
I nod, sick to my stomach—but determined.This man must pay.
“Yes, I’ll marry you,” I tell him, and seal both of our fates. “I want to be your wife.”
19
AVERY
The next week flies past.I told Sebastian that I wanted a big celebration for our engagement party. It’s a happy occasion, after all, and will mark a new beginning in our lives together, so, he gave me total freedom to plan whatever I wanted.
What I wanted, was a blowout affair at his estate on Lake Como, with all his business associates and family invited, press, and all to witness our love. And with his unlimited funds, the event planners I hired have pulled it off. The party will take place tonight, at the chateau.
And I can’t wait.
“You look beautiful.”
Sebastian’s voice comes from my bedroom doorway, and I see him in the mirror, looking happy and relaxed. “Thank you, baby,” I turn, smoothing down my dress. It’s a dark red gown, sweeping to the floor, with a strapless bodice and slim fitted cut. The color of blood.
The color of revenge.
“You’re not looking too bad yourself,” I add, giving him a besotted grin. Now that I’m set on my path, the lying has come so much easier. I no longer have doubts or conflict holding me back.
