Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 141385 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141385 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
“Mm.” His hold on me tightens slightly. “Just walk in there knowing they’re going to try to hurt you. I fully expect them to still try to use your trust fund against you, and whatever you say to them is going to be turned back on you. Even though we’ve made it clear I’ll never marry Jasmine, it could be that they switch gears from her becoming my wife to stopping you at all costs.”
“If they have any sense, they won’t.” I pause. “Then again, that’s asking a lot of them. Now I know Rosalyn was definitely involved in what happened to me, I hold the cards.”
“Do you think your father knows?”
“No. There are many, many things I could say about him, but I truly don’t think he would have married her or let her do any of the things she has if he knew she was partially responsible. He may have been unfaithful to my mother, but he did love us. Well, he loved me. Not to mention his appearance really is everything to him.”
“He’s doing a terrible job of that right now.”
“Why do you think he wants me going over to the house? People caught his reaction during the announcement of the engagement, and the fact Jasmine and I had a public altercation... The Sinclair family doesn’t look good right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was facing some pressure from investors, either.”
“Good point. Want me to find out?”
“Can you do that?”
“Oscar can.” Finn’s lips curve into a smile that makes his eyes twinkle. “And if he can’t, Alec can.”
I tilt my head to the side. “True. I’m learning that there isn’t much he can’t find out.”
“Best not to think about it too much.” He trails his finger down to my thigh where he draws tiny circles with his fingertip. “When are you going to your father’s house, then? I can have someone arrange it all.”
“Tonight.”
He freezes. “Tonight?”
“Yes. He wants me to come, and when better than in a few hours?”
“Harriet...”
“Don’t Harriet me like that.” I pull back and squish his face again. “The worst thing one can do in battle is give your enemy an advantage. Why would I schedule a visit so they can plot and scheme against me when I can show up out of the blue and catch them off guard?”
He holds his stillness for a moment longer before sagging into a long exhale. “Tonight it is, then. Just... don’t do anything drastic.”
“I can’t promise that.”
“Fine. If you are going to do something drastic, hide in the bathroom and call me first. Then do it.”
I grin. “What a wonderful compromise.”
***
“Harriet.” My father’s blue eyes widen at the sight of me at the front door. “What are you doing here?”
I blink innocently at him. “Finn said you asked him to pass on a message for me to visit. He told me earlier, so here I am. Is it a problem?”
He glances at the guards behind me, his cheeks paling. “Of course not. You’re my daughter, and this is your home.”
No.
“Is... Everyone coming in?”
Sophia clears her throat from just behind me. “We’re also here to collect the rest of Miss Sinclair’s belongings, Mr Sinclair. It would be greatly appreciated if you would permit us access. We won’t intrude on your family time.”
“Oh, yes. Yes, of course.” He turns back to me. “You should have told me you were coming. I would have made sure everything was packed.”
I wave my hand. “I took the most personal things with me before I moved into the palace, so it’s not a big deal. Is there anyone who could help them?”
“Yes, I can make that happen. Marina, is it? She’s been looking after your room since you... Well, since you left.” He smiles tightly, and his displeasure is evident in the slight narrowing of his eyes.
I love that girl.
“Thanks, Dad.” I tuck some hair behind my ear, smiling brightly. “Are you sure I’m not interrupting?”
“Of course not. Like I said, this is your home.”
“Then can I come in instead of standing out here on the doorstep like a cold caller?”
He flinches, then takes a deliberate step back. “I apologise. Come in, come in.” He spins away before I cross the threshold and grabs the nearest maid, instructing her to find Marina. She glances at me with wide eyes before scurrying off with a nod.
I gaze around the hallway.
Not a single thing here has changed. It is what it always has been—a shrine to Jasmine. A place you’d enter and, if you knew nothing about the family, you’d think only one daughter existed. You’d be forgiven for never knowing my name.
After all, that was the whole point for Rosalyn.
To wipe me from existence.
Unfortunately for her, I have far too much vigour for that.
Okay, fine. Spite. I have too much spite.
“Harriet.” The woman in question walks out of the living room and stops dead. “What a... lovely surprise,” she says, her tone a mix of hesitance and shock that says it’s anything but.