Page 102 of Ruthless Redemption

Remy gives a bitter smile. “I don’t appreciate having to state this word for word. But seeing as though you haven’t already realized, he’s fucking smarter than us.”

“He already has a system in place that ensures we’ll never gain access to the family trust if he dies of anything other than natural causes.” Salvatore presses on the swelling at his cheek. “That’s hundreds of millions of dollars, all down the drain. And as much as I want him dead, I want a fucking future more.”

Are they saying they want to take murder off the table?

I wrap my arms around my middle, my unease building as Matthew tightens his hold on my hips.

I won’t live in a world where Emmanuel isn’t punished for what he’s done to me. What he’s done to my daughter. Stella deserves to be free.

“What about Abri?” Matthew asks. “Is she treated the same?”

Remy nods. “If not worse. The money and control is no different. But he’s got something over her that she won’t discuss. Or even admit.”

“Then how do you know it exists?” Bishop swings back to face the group.

“Because she’s always been the most defiant out of the three of us until a few years ago when she disappeared off the face of the earth. He took her somewhere. For months. One minute, they were fighting over family dinner—the next, she was gone. He left her God knows where. And when she returned, she wasn’t the same. She was fucking compliant.”

This isn’t happening.

I’m not caving to the plight of my enemies. I can’t be.

It’s anger that claws at my throat. Rage that burns my eyes.

I walk toward the sofas, needing space, craving hope. I stare at the black television screen, attempting to visualize a future that isn’t a continuation of this nightmare. But their situation is changing everything.

“So let me get this straight.” Bishop stalks back toward the island counter. “You’re here for Matthew’s money, right? You want him to pay for the mistakes you were too pathetic to escape from and bankroll your future.”

I drag in a breath, despising that image.

Their future is reliant upon Matthew. Meaning, if I stay with the man who owns my heart, I’ll become a part of their picture, too.

“We don’t know what we want.” Remy’s voice is hostile. “We just know we need to get out.”

19

MATTHEW

I rubthe back of my neck, every muscle tense as Layla stares at the blank television.

She’s suffering again. We both are.

I don’t know how to help my siblings without hurting her.

Hell, I’m still not sure if I fucking believe them. But I want to.

I want them back in my life—if only it wasn’t at the expense of her happiness.

“Honestly, Dante.” Salvo’s voice weakens. “We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t—”

“That’s not his name,” she warns. “That’s not who he is anymore. If you’re here begging for help, the least you can do is offer him the respect he deserves.”

I raise my brows, not expecting her passion. Her defense.

“I meant no disrespect.” Salvatore clears his throat. “It’s habit.”

I keep looking at her. In pride. In gratitude. “Everyone, out. I need to speak to Layla alone.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Bishop stalks for the hall. “I’m tired of this shit show. I’ll be downstairs.”

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