Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“I’ve seen many things in my life you wouldn’t believe. When money and fame get involved, it can cause people to do some unthinkable things,” she says.
“I’m angry for Gregor. No one has a right to just take a piece of you. Especially not with the intention to blackmail you or to use your own flesh and blood as a weapon against you. It’s so wrong on so many levels,” I say, vibrating with anger.
“Can I be honest with you?”
“Yes,” I say, looking back up at her.
“My heart aches for my son. I’ve been quiet up until this point, but I’ve been watching the two of you. You’re holding so much against him.” She holds her hand up when I go to cut her off. “Let me finish.”
I nod and roll my lips.
“I understand you’re hurting. I’m not saying you don’t have a right to your hurt and anger. I’ve told you this before.
“I also know that my son has left out pieces. Something more is going on between you two, but I won’t pry. I’ll say this.
“Sometimes the timing of happily ever after isn’t perfect. However, when it comes back around—if we fight it, we may lose it. You both are scarred deeply. But I can also see that you both love each other. I think you need each other.” She points in the direction Gregor just walked in.
“That’s a broken man, dear. A broken man who could use the woman he loves. Maybe—and I know it’s a lot to ask—but maybe you can find it in your heart to forgive him for now. Just for now,” she says when I frown.
My gaze drops to my lap. Tears fall without my permission. I have so many emotions and feelings. I feel robbed, cheated, betrayed. I also feel torn. My heart is broken for Gregor and for that innocent little girl.
“I’ll think about it,” I reply.
“Please do.”
Chapter 33
Drunk
Gregor
“You might want to slow down. You’re still recovering,” Ethan says as he sits beside me in this bar.
I needed to get away from the house to think. I have so much going through my head. I feel violated, lost, enraged. I can’t even imagine how Addison pulled all of this off. I want jobs, licenses, lives. That bank will be lucky to keep its doors open when I’m done.
I snort. “Slow down, I haven’t even started.”
“I thought I’d be able to breathe easier once we got the truth,” he says.
“You and me both,” I say bitterly. “Now, I wish I didn’t know. I was starving. I had no fucking money. It was the lowest point in my life. I already felt like shit for what I had to do. It was only a couple of bucks. Man, that was the most expensive hot dog and soda of my life.”
“I wish you would have reached out sooner. I would have helped out any way I could.”
“I had nothing. I couldn’t involve anyone in the shit I went through.”
“Bro, you’re my best friend. I’m here now. I would have been there then before you could offer me a salary and cushy setup.”
I toss back my drink and wipe my mouth. “It’s all water under the bridge.”
“What do you plan to do now?”
“I have no fucking idea,” I breathe and signal for another drink. “I might have to let Cee go. This is all too much. It’s going to kill me, but for once I’m choosing not to be selfish when it comes to her.”
“Um. Maybe you should sleep this off before making any decisions. You may think differently in the morning.”
“Whatever,” I scoff and down the drink placed in front of me. “Hey, can you just bring me the bottle?”
Ethan sighs and settles back in his seat.
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you for something,” I say.
“What’s up?”
“I don’t think Addison pulled this off on her own. I’m wondering if the person who helped her is one and the same, whoever’s been feeding information for these deals falling through.”
“You want me to look into your staff?”
“Yeah, everyone.”
“You got it. I’m on it. I was thinking the same thing. It shouldn’t have been so hard to find the friend or connect the dots on all Addison did, but we were met with roadblocks as if someone knew we were digging.”
I grunt and toss another drink back. “Send my brother everything we know.”
“Everything?”
“Leave out Chloe, that should come from me, but send everything else. He thinks Wade and some asshole are behind this. I need to know if either of them links to Addison in some way.”
He nods and we remain silent for the rest of the night while I drown myself in my sorrows. I get shit-faced wondering how I got here.
Chapter 34
Just Be
Chloe
I’ve paced my bedroom for hours waiting for Gregor to return. He took off not long after I spoke with his mother. I’ve been concerned.