Page 15 of Liars

I nodded, understanding. The wife was off-limits unless I wanted to stir up trouble. I pocketed that little tidbit of information. After meeting two of the sons, I never knew whenI might need the ammunition. They struck me as guys who had plenty of dirt to dig up.

“Miss Kaylor,” Evan said, appearing seemingly out of nowhere. “Mr. Corvo requests your presence in his office.”

My gaze lifted over the rim of my coffee, my appetite evaporating as dread coiled in my stomach. “Now?”

Either my eyes were playing tricks on me or Evan’s lips twitched, but he quickly schooled his features, any traces of amusement vanishing behind his hazel eyes. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll show you the way.”

Without waiting for my response, Evan turned and began walking. I had no choice but to follow, my hunger replaced by a simmering irritation. With a long sigh, I scooted out of the stool, taking my coffee. Donovan might summon me whenever he pleased, but he wasn’t going to deprive me of my morning caffeine.

Donovan’s office was every bit as intimidating as the man himself. Dark wood paneling lined the walls, and the massive desk at the center of the room was spotless, save for a few neatly arranged papers. Donovan sat behind it, his piercing light-green eyes lifting as I entered behind Evan.

“Thank you, Evan. I’ve got it from here.” He dismissed my security.

The guard gave a curt nod before exiting and closing the door behind him, leaving me alone with my guardian.

“Sit,” Donovan ordered, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

I hesitated before lowering into the seat, setting my coffee on the round drink table and crossing my arms protectively, favoring the injured one. “You summoned?” I intentionally used heavy sarcasm in my tone. Attitude was my default setting, especially when I was nervous, scared, or angry—basically, any emotion other than happiness.

Donovan leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “I wanted to inform you of some decisions that have been made regarding your education as well as lay out the rules while you’re living in my home.”

The wordrulesmade me cringe. I wasn’t known as someone who liked to abide byrulesor liked being told what to do. My parents often told me I’d been a stubborn, willful child. “Decisions? What decisions?” We’d get to hisrulesin a minute.

“You’ll be transferring to Elmwood Public,” he said plainly, picking up a pen from his desk. “You’ll finish out the school year there.”

“I want to stay at the academy,” I announced, desperate to cling to something familiar. “I only have one semester until I graduate. I’m already halfway through the year, and?—”

“No.”

The single word cut through me like a blade, swift and decisive.

My eyes widened, and I leaned forward. “I’m not transferring. I’ve been at the academy for years. You can’t just pull me out like this.”

Donovan’s expression remained impassive. “I can, and I have. The academy is no longer an option. Youwilltransfer to Elmwood Public,” he commanded, leaving no room for negotiation. “Your father’s estate will cover the tuition for whatever university you choose, but for now, you’ll adapt. The winter break has ended, but I’m willing to give you a few days before starting.”

“Why?” I demanded, my voice rising. “What possible reason could you have for this?”

“The academy was a luxury your father afforded you,” he said, clicking the pen open and shut again and again. “Given the circumstances, it’s no longer practical or necessary. Publicschool will suffice, and you’ll attend alongside my sons. They’ll ensure youreadjustto the new environment.”

Oh, I just bet they will.My fists clenched in my lap. “This isn’t fair. I’ve worked so hard—my friends, my teachers, my studies, everything I’ve built is there.”

“Life isn’t fair,” Donovan said bluntly, devoid of sympathy. “This is not a discussion. You’ll attend Public, and you’ll excel there as you did at the academy. End of story.”

I stared at him, my jaw tight. “You don’t get to make these decisions for me. I’m not a child.”

“You’re under my guardianship,” he replied. “Until you turn eighteen, I make the decisions. You may not like them, but you will respect them.”

I opened my mouth to argue again but stopped, my heart racing with frustration. I took a deep breath, trying to regain some semblance of control. “Fine,” I snapped. “Where’s my phone? I need to let my friends know I’m okay.”

Donovan’s eyes flickered with something unreadable. “Your phone was lost in the incident. I’ve taken the liberty of replacing it.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a sleek new device, placing it on the desk in front of me.

Leaning forward in my chair, I reached for it, relief washing over me at the anticipation of having contact outside this forsaken house, but it dissipated as I unlocked the phone and scrolled through the empty contacts list. Empty like my life. I glanced up, scowling. “Where are my numbers? My texts?”

He shot me a pointed look. “They’re gone. The previous device was unrecoverable. You have a new phone number since you’re no longer on your parents’ plan.”

My fingers tightened around the phone as panic and anger flared in my chest. “Gone? Just like that? What about the cloud? I had everything backed up.”

He gave a careless shrug. “You can try to recover it.”

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