Page 50 of Point of No Return

Showing up yesterday was his biggest test so far. He wants her cooperation. He wants to know she won’t be a problem. But I told him what would happen if he came here again without my permission. I’ve thought about what I need to do for a long time. Him ignoring my calls only confirms that.

Aleks has plans with friends again today, and I’m too tired to try and figure out exactly what kind of trouble they might be getting into. Shortly after he and Charlie leave for the day, I’m debating whether or not I should text Crew and tell him what I’m doing, but I opt for calling a car around.

When the SUV pulls around the drive, I climb inside, adjusting my cufflinks as determination fills my chest.

“Where to?” the driver calls through the partition.

“City hall,” I tell him, and without another word, the car pulls down the drive, and we’re off.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Skar

City hall took longer than I planned for, but I still arrive at the Belmont with time to spare. I’m not surprised to see Tyson already sitting at our usual table on the second floor. He’s sitting alone, watching his plates disappear as they’re cleared by the staff.

Even from a room away, I spy the way his hands spasm, shaking and nearly toppling his drink. He usually arrives early to save the trouble of eating while doing business, and I can see the decision is more than intentional tonight.

He rests his hands in his lap again, chin high as he meets my eye. The dark marble floors and ambient lighting create the illusion of walking across molten night sky as I cross the space toward him.

“Son,” he greets. He gives his usual shit-eating grin when I come to a stop at the table.

The files in my hand land with a thud, just out of his reach. I unbutton my jacket as I take a seat, resting either of my arms on the side of the booth.

“What’s this?” he asks without looking at the folder. At my silence, at the stony expression on my face, his already sagging smile slowly turns down into a frown.

“You came to Viserion. Unannounced,” I keep my voice even with a disinterested glance around the restaurant. “Again.”

His frail, shaking hands reach for the cane that’s propped against the table beside him. A calming gesture for him, a threat to anyone else. One that used to signal an impending beating. But we both know that isn’t going to happen tonight. He won’t cause a scene in public- not even if he could.

“She seems lonely, Skar. Locked away in that house while you’re gone.”

Something wild and untamed burns inside me at the words. As if this isn’t by his design this entire time. I shouldn’t care- it shouldn’t bother me. I expected this. But his words gnaw at me, grating away at my resolve.

“She’s no concern of yours.”

Tyson clasps his hands together. “Isn’t she? She is my daughter-in-law. The future mother of my grandchildren. The heiress of Viserion…” he continues. “You know, your sweet mother-”

“Maybe I haven’t made myself clear,” I say just as a waitress comes by to take my order. I wave her off, and with one look at my face, she scampers away. “My wife is not your concern. My marriage is not your concern. And if Istillhaven’t made myself clear, then I can be more explicit.” I motion toward the files on the table, but he doesn’t break eye contact.

He already knows what the papers signify. If he didn’t get the message an hour ago when I bought him out of Viserion completely, he certainly will soon.

“Pick your enemies carefully, boy.” He bites the words, the only indication that I’ve truly gotten under his skin. “Viserion has been my home longer than you’ve been alive.”

The barest of smiles tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Was. Itwasyour home. It’s time the mantle has passed,father.”

From the corner of my eye, I see the waitress from before reappear, her shoulders slumped forward as she squeaks out, “Um, Mr. Benenati, sir.” My father moves to speak, but he realizes too late that she isn’t addressing him. She’s addressing me. “Your wife and party are here… Shall I… bring them upstairs?” she stutters.

I smile, not looking at her. “Yes. We’re done here.”

She disappears again, and my father’s smile quickly dissipates as he looks toward the hidden files. The deed, the receipt showing that Viserion is mine. Completely. The house will pass to Aleks when I’m gone. And everything else?

Well… the house is just the beginning.

“It will do you well to remember her past. Remember your duty. Not just to this family. But to the realm. To Lorelai.”

To her memory,is what goes unsaid. As if he has any right.

As he speaks, I spot the waitress across the floor followed by Charlotte who is smiling at something one of the men is saying. I stand when I see them, carefully walking to my father’s side and squeezing the defined joint of his shoulder as I lean down. I say, loudly enough that I know he can hear me.

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