Page 171 of G.O.D.S Omnibus

“This is bullshit! You’ll be hearing from my lawyers. Melinda, let’s go.”

Melinda hesitantly gets up from her chair. I give her a nod, and she trails behind Ziyon as he stomps out of the conference room.

The lawyer continues on, completely unphased. “Lastly, Miss Smith, there is a letter addressed to you alone. Mr Olympia recommends you read it in private when you’re ready.”

He hands me the envelope, and this time I keep it clutched in my hands and stare blankly down at the handwriting on the front.

My dearest Zircon

Am I ever going to be ready to read what he has to say? My entire life has been a huge clusterfuck that has led to this moment. All I ever wanted was a family. I look around the table and chuckle under my breath. I might not have chosen them, but somehow they have all weaselled their way in, and someone would have to kill me to take them away.

Tears start to fall. Years we’ve missed—a mother I never had the chance to know, who doesn’t remember even giving birth to me. This man hid so much from me, yet I’m overwhelmed and unsure of how I should feel about his death. Am I allowed to mourn a father I wished I could have had, a man he could never have been? Should I be relieved he’s gone and my guys are safe? Scared that Olympia is now in my hands, I’m reeling from being put in charge of an entire company. Not to mention I’m pissed that he presumes just because I’m a woman that I’ll want kids. How the fuck would that work with ten guys? I could never pick between them and there’s no way I’m pushing ten kids out of my vag. No, thank you. That doesn’t sound like a good time.

“I can see how overwhelmed you are, Miss Smith. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me. Also, don’t worry about Ziyon. He will have to learn to accept that his brother was always ten steps ahead of him. And for what it’s worth, Zacari always wanted what was best for you, even if it didn’t seem that way.”

Brennan stands. “We appreciate your time, Mr Wright. If we have any further questions, we will be sure to call.”

Everyone else stands as Mr Wright and Brennan shake hands.

“I will have contracts sent to you as soon as possible. Please get your own lawyer to look over them.”

I zone out and the room blurs away. Someone takes my hand and leads me to the car, ushering me into it and buckling me in. I don’t talk. I just sit and stare sightlessly at the passing scenery asmy mind conjures all the different things that could be contained within the letter.

Even when we get home, I sit like a statue at the kitchen bench as Creed makes us lunch. I keep staring at the envelope I refuse to put down. I should just read it and get it over and done with. What could he possibly have to say that would change how I feel about him and what he has done to all of us? I rip the side of the envelope and pull out the single piece of paper.

To my beautiful daughter,

If you’re reading this, then I’m gone, but I wanted to be able to say I did love you in my own way and I hope you like my parting gift.

All I ever wanted to do was create a legacy. Everyone may have seen me as the villain, and I can assure you that isn’t the case, but it is a title I was willing to wear for the greater good.

I beg of you not to trust my brother; he isn’t as he seems.

I wish for you to continue my legacy. I know Case had information that led you all to believe I left the entire company to “The Order.” Now you know that isn’t true at all. I just knew I could trust them not to hand my company over into the wrong hands. I worked hard to build Olympia from the ground up. Ziyon could have been by my side, but he didn’t want that. One day, he will have to face the truthof what he did. He can blame me, but our falling out was all on him.

As for Melinda, my “dead wife” who is not dead at all. Remember, there isn’t anything I don’t know—I didn’t get to a position of power without intelligence. I’ve known that she was alive this entire time, but chose not to intervene. She made her choice, but I still loved her.

As you now know, I have left the entire company for my grandchildren. Until the time that they are ready to take over, it’s on you to run the business, and I trust you will do good things with it.

I hope with the life of these new babies that you can see my vision come to fruition, and what you do with that information is now entirely up to you.

I hand-picked staff and created all of this for you and in memory of your departed sister. And you can do the same for your children.

I’m sure you’re freaking out about the news of having children, but don’t. I made sure you would have all the support you needed. It takes a village, and that you have, my dear.

Those boys will follow you wherever you go and help you succeed in this business—and in life. Brennan will guide you with his knowledge. Boston will keep you on your toes.Creed will always be the tender love that you need. Laughn will help you accept the darkest parts of your soul. Chester will protect you. Marlow will make sure you take time for yourself. Trace will always have your best interests in mind. Davis will question everything for you. Kai will make you laugh. And Case loves you so deeply that you will never forget it.

So please take that with you, and be great, and achieve everything that I couldn’t. I just wish I could have been here to see it with my own eyes, but sacrifices needed to be made.

With love,

Mr Z

P.S. Don’t kill Betty. She holds all the information you’re going to need.

Why was he going on about grandchildren and babies? I look down and hesitantly place my hand on my stomach.

“What the hell did he do?” I whisper.

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