Page 75 of Poison Aches

And Grandfather is desperate to make a move.

And to get some kind of foothold to go up against Eli Beaumont, Grandfather must want to bring in the biggest fish in New York right now.

Everything immediately shifts into place and makes sense, but I pretend as if I don’t quite get it.

“I have my ways.”

I feel his gaze on me, but he doesn’t say anything else.

“You were breached of millions?” Grandfather says, anger igniting in his voice.

“Yes.”

“And you’re still here, not taking care of the matter? Retaliating? Doing something?”

“Grandfather,” I start, my voice low, blending in with the rain. “I already have.”

Vaughn eyes me and then he goes back to staring out at the tombstone.

“You already did?” Grandfather asks, surprised. “W-who was it?”

“I think you already know who,” I say while holding his stare, watching as he slightly shifts in his chair.

“You set a trap,” Vaughn speaks for the first time. “You knew Giovanni would come after you.”

I don’t bother looking at him. “I wonder if Grandfather also knew what his son was up to?”

My question is actively antagonizing. Giovanni was about to set himself ablaze tonight, but his father rescued him.

By the way Grandfather looks away, he’s aware that I know he saved his son because the rules of the Family are simple.

Never wage war unless you plan to see it through.

“Your uncle is not important right now,” Grandfather says instead. “I’ll deal with him myself.”

“You mean you’ll save him before I get to him?”

Vaughn glances at me.

Tonight, I’m not holding anything back. I want it to be clear to Grandfather. I will be going after his sons, one by one.

“You…”

“Save your strength, Grandfather,” I say in a low voice. “You might just have another stroke.”

I’m pushing it tonight, but then again, I’m still reeling.

We stand there, staring at the tombstone for seven minutes and nineteen seconds, until Grandfather clears his throat and speaks again.

“Emmett. Vaughn.”

“Yes, sir?” Vaughn responds respectfully as opposed to my silence.

“It’s down to the two of you,” the old man says. “But both of you are lacking.”

I feel Vaughn’s shrewd gaze on me, but I don’t bother looking at him.

“Prove to me that you can take the helm and run this family like a proper boss. I want to see what you can do.”

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