Page 134 of Corrupt Me

“I’ll make Rebecca wear it. It will be her prison. She can’t ever take it off without my permission. If she refuses to comply, it will release a shock that will make her recoil in pain. It will monitor her heart rate, location, conversations—everything.” Cassandra sighs, staring at the bracelet as if she doesn’t want to do it. But I do. Maybe I am a petty and vengeful person, after all. But my loyalties lie with my friends, and for them, I’d cross every boundary. I did it once, and I’d do it a hundred times over if needed.

“What about Andrew?”

“He will have to play along to preserve the Family’s image. He loves nothing more than leading the media company. I don’t know yet. All of you will need guidance as you enter the business world. My husband offered his support. Sebastian and Cillian will be there for every single one of you. I wish I could tell you that you can do whatever you want. But leading the media company is your duty. The legacy will have to continue.”

That notion has been ingrained in my head for a long time. Knowing my parents never truly wanted me to lead the company infuses me with a new sense of duty. Not only will I lead it, but I will make it even better than they both dreamed of.

I refuse to let them affect me anymore. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have parents. Steeling my spine, I let my heart harden.

The corners of Cassandra’s eyes soften with care. “I’m right here. We’ll do this together.”

“Thank you,” I say, grateful to have her by my side.

Once outside, Samuel opens the back door for us, and we slide into the black Mercedes SUV.

Leaving the compound behind, thoughts of Hunter infuse me with strength, even if I am ripped to pieces inside. He must be worried. But I have to get through this meeting, and I am afraid if he says he wants to be there, I won’t be able to refuse him. This is something I need to do for myself.

When Samuel parks the car in the underground garage of my parents’ downtown apartment building, sadness grips my throat, suffocating me. I’ve never even been here.

As we take the private elevator to the top level, I inhale deeply, fortifying myself. You have this.

When the doors slide open, we walk inside the penthouse and stop in the living room. It’s airy and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Overhead, intricate lighting hangs in large circular designs, shining so brightly it’s almost blinding. Flower vases and handpicked art match the overall sophisticated look. It’s clear my mother put more thought into this place than the house at the compound.

Andrew’s brows bunch together while Rebecca steps back before quickly resuming her position by the window, ignoring me. Neither is pleased to see me, and I am too desensitized to care.

“What is she doing here?” she asks in a nasal tone, ringing of annoyance.

“Lovely seeing you too, Mother.” My sarcasm isn’t lost on anyone.

She glares at me. “Watch your tone.”

I march over to her and get in her face. “Or what?”

“Let’s move to the dining room,” Andrew says, sounding tired as he gestures toward the long hall.

“What is this all about, Cassandra?” my mom asks haughtily.

“You’ll find out soon enough. Now, keep moving,” she commands.

The ripple of fear crossing her features gives me tremendous satisfaction.

Silence descends as we take our seats in the velvet chairs, making the nerves even more present, like a fifth guest.

Cassandra places the box and a file of documents on the mahogany table while my mother gulps some wine.

“Jittery, Mother?” I ask, smirking.

“You ins—”

Cassandra cuts her off immediately by saying, “Don’t say something I will make you regret.”

An indignant look crosses my mother’s face. “She’s my daughter.”

“And Caleb’s,” Cassandra states, sucking the air from the room. I glance at Andrew, who sighs in relief.

“That’s a false accusation. One—”

Cassandra shoves the documents in her face. As she rifles through them, I catch a glimpse of the DNA test.

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