Page 40 of Forsaken Secrets

Lady Ellingsworth inclined her head, smile still firmly in place. "Of course. We'd expect nothing less." Which meant they'd already bribed every damn inspector within driving distance to support their stance.

The gods damned benefits of money and power.

My fists clenched in my skirts, but I made myself remain calm. Reacting would do us no good.

I would find some way out of this, though.

Despicable mission complete, Lady Ellingsworth finally took her leave.

I stalked to the window, staring daggers at the carriage as it rolled away to her house next door.

"Kaiya, we'll figure this out," Aunt Grace said, voice soft.

I scoffed. There was no way we could pay that much back in such a short time. She didn't need to worry even more, though, so I turned and smiled tightly at her. "I'm sorry, Aunt Grace. I just — I need some space to think this out."

She nodded. "We'll talk tonight?"

"Of course." I gave her a hug and slipped out the door, eyes burning and heart aching.

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