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The next day, Remy summons me to his study. I steel myself for another barrage of rage as I enter, but he receives me with deceptive calm.
"I've made my decision," he announces, steepling his fingers under his chin. "Your brother will marry that woman. We'll do it quickly, this week if possible."
I squint at him. "Is that what you called me here to discuss?"
He bangs his hand on his desk. "You'll do what I say, Dare. If not, you will be given two options. Sign over your claim to the company immediately or be cut off without a cent. You have until the end of the week."
I stare at him, stunned. "You can't do that."
"I can do as I please. This is my legacy, and I will not have it fall into the hands of a fool who can't keep his whore in line." His eyes gleam with malice. "Make your choice."
Anger flares in my chest, hot and sharp. How dare he speak about Talia that way? I draw a steadying breath, clenching my jaw. I will not give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
"The child will still be your heir," I say evenly. "Your legacy will live on, whether or not I have a hand in the company."
"Don't pretend you care about my legacy," Remy sneers. "You're even more worthless than your father. Get out of my sight before I decide to cut you off right now."
I turn on my heel and stalk from the room, rage simmering in my veins. He means to strip me of my birthright, all because of his hatred for Talia. But he won't get away with this. I'll find a way to stop him, to protect what's mine. No one threatens what I hold dear and lives to tell the tale.
When this is over, Remy Morgan will regret the day he ever crossed me.
Burn waits for me outside Remy's office, concern etched into his features.
"I take it that didn't go well," he says.
I drag a hand through my hair, exhaling harshly. "He's threatening to disinherit me if I don't leave Talia."
Burn's eyes widen. "You can't be serious."
"Dead serious." I glance over my shoulder at the closed doors. "He seems to believe he can control my life, even now. I won't stand for it."
"What are you going to do?"
A plan starts to take shape in my mind. One that will cut Remy's legs out from under him and leave him powerless.
"We're going to lie," I say. "We're going to make him think he's won. Then I'm going to destroy him."
Burn studies me for a long moment. "You're playing a dangerous game, brother."
I meet his gaze, unflinching. "So is he."
When I return home later, Talia is waiting for me in the foyer. Her eyes light up at the sight of me, a smile curving her lips that makes my chest ache. How could Remy ever think I would give her up?
I swallow hard, my throat closing as I stare into Talia's deep blue eyes.
"Talia, there's something I have to tell you."
Her hands tighten around mine, her gaze searching my face. "What is it?"
The words stick in my throat, an ugly knot of deceit. I force them out. "My grandfather has disinherited me. Cut me off completely."
Shock ripples across her face, followed swiftly by anger. "He can't do that! You're his grandson, his heir—"
"Not anymore." My chest aches as if my heart is breaking apart, shard by shard. "He's furious with me for refusing to break up with you. Says if I won't do my duty, I don't deserve the Morgan name or fortune."
Talia's hands clench into fists, rage darkening her eyes, but when she speaks her voice is soft. "Oh Dare, I'm so sorry. How are you feeling?"
Her compassion undoes me. I drop my gaze, unable to bear the tenderness in her face. What have I done? She thinks I've lost everything for her sake, when the truth is I've let uncertainty guide my actions.
