Page 212 of Chandelier Enthralled
She gave a nod.
“You know where you went wrong? You went after Cameron through me.”
She looked surprised that I realized her motive.
“And you lured Willa into your world.”
Jewel gave me an ugly smile. “She’s smarter than I realized.”
“She was smart enough to find evidence of what you and Lance were doing abroad. If you were to survive my efforts to stop you, you would still be ruined.”
“What does she have?”
“Everything.”
“Is this revenge, Greyson, for your girlfriend?”
“Say her name.”
“Amelia was nothing. You and I both know that. She didn’t love you. Didn’t even like you.”
“Is this meant to help your case?”
“I’m trying to get you to see reason.”
“I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.”
“Her life was meaningless.”
I balled my hands into fists. “You don’t even realize you’re doing it, do you?”
She raised her chin high. “I’m the deliverer of dreams.”
“The correct word is nightmares,” I said, stepping toward her. “Any last words?”
“Please, Greyson.” She stepped back. “This is a misunderstanding. Let’s go back inside and talk this through. I’ll make you a billionaire.”
“I’m already a billionaire.”
She blinked at me. “You’re an architect. I mean, you’re good…”
“Is that a ‘but’ I hear?”
“Who are you, really, Greyson Grantchester?”
Seconds passed and I wondered how Atticus felt when he had to do the unthinkable—end the life of Pendulum’s other villain, Roper. Did he question if he had it in him? When he came to realize he could take a life, how did he deal with it?
Our ability to become a monster—it was a mystery as deep as the dark depths spreading out before me.
Jewel’s expression changed to one of triumph.
I spun around to see what had caused the change in attitude.
My heart sank at the view.
Willa hadn’t stayed in the room where she was safe—she had followed me. Her brunette locks were drenched, along with her gold gown, which now clung to her trembling body.
Then I saw who was behind her. The brute who had killed Amelia was now holding Willa at gunpoint.
