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Blakely: I love you. I'm trying to get there.
My gut spins and spins until I feel nauseous. All the anger and regret I feel boil within me, and I decide to take my rage out on Hugh. He deserves it anyway.
I storm out of the office and into the conference room past Benny. I sit next to my attorney, Peter.
Hugh scowls across the table, his eyes beady, with less hair than I remember.
I slide the paperwork in front of him, ordering, "Sign it."
He defiantly lifts his chin, reminding me of Blakely, and the ache sears deeper inside me.
He claims, "You're not paying me enough."
"That's all you're getting. And you're only getting anything because I have to show something. So take it, or you'll get nothing but a concrete cell," I seethe.
He gives me a look I would've been intimidated by years ago before he took me under his wing. Now, it's just pathetic.
He slowly picks up the pen, signs, and stands. I lean back in my chair, announcing, "Benny will walk you out. Your boxes are near the elevator."
He scowls harder at me, then snarls, "I made you. You're only here because I made you."
It's the same claim he's always held over my head. I used to believe his lie, yet now, I no longer do. I scoff, declaring, "The company is in the position it's in because of my work—my ability to get clients and do things that you couldn't. So you might have started this with me, but we both know that the last decade has been based on the work I've done. All the while, you've sat here and done barely anything."
He starts to object, and I nod at Benny. "Get him out of here."
Benny grabs his arm, and Hugh tries to shake out of his hold.
He threatens, "I'll get you, Riggs. This isn't over."
"Yeah, sure you will," I state, then rise and step toward them.
Benny steers Hugh out of the room, and I follow them, not looking away until they turn the corner.
I go back to my office and stare out the window.
It's over.
I've finally taken Hugh Gallow down.
I should be celebrating, yet all I can see is my pet's face. It's filled with the pain I caused her, and I hate how I can't deny it's my fault. And I'd do anything to see her laugh and gaze at me how she used to, yet I'll never see it again.
My pulse races faster as I stare at the building across the way. For the first time, I wonder if taking Hugh down was even worth it.
13
Blakely
When the plane lands, I hurry off it, get into the SUV, and text Riggs.
Me: Is it over?
Minutes pass. I stare at the screen, and more sadness washes over me. I'm so conflicted about what Riggs has done. I know my father's a horrible man. After stealing from Riggs and their clients, he deserves to lose it all, but seeing my parents look so broken at the charity event made me feel sorry for them. It's the first time I actually felt anything but anger and hatred toward them in a long time. And the vision of how horrible they appeared haunts me.
My father's a thief.
Riggs: Yes. I need you to come to the office and sign some forms when you land.
My pulse skyrockets.
