Page 23 of Goldsin

“How long have you known him for?” I try my luck, my voice dripping with honeyed sweetness.

She narrows her coal eyes on me, leaving a trail of chills creeping over my body as I wait for her next move.

I try to remain at ease as I wait for her answer.

Then, when the seconds seem to stretch out, she lets out a giggle.

“Well, you see, our connection goes back several generations. My great-grandfather and Julian’s great-great-grandfather were close friends and partners in business, building new possibilities to ... branch out. Let’s just say, their bond was passed down through the years.” She seems to hesitate for a moment, weighing her words before adding, “My mother and Lady Harrow were quite good friends when my mother was still alive.”

There’s no doubt now that she’s the daughter of the Lady Marlowe my mother mentioned in her diary.

“Partners in business? What kind of business?”

My mother’s diary gave me a different perspectiveinto their world, but I’m Valentine’s daughter: I hear and see things.

“Various ventures,” she replies vaguely before going back to checking her nails. “Some more successful than others.”

“So Julian has been integral to your family’s success?”

“Absolutely.” She smiles as my blood turns cold. “He’s always had a keen mind for strategy and negotiation. In fact, he recently helped us secure a deal that has greatly expanded our influence.”

Ignoring the unfamiliar ache spreading inside of me, I dig deeper. “A deal, huh? Well, that doesn’t sound like Julian at all.”

Victoria feeds on the skepticism in my voice. She’d do anything to make her life, this included, seem interesting in the eyes of someone like me.

She cracks a smile. One that leaves me uneasy. “I’m not at liberty to discuss the details. But let’s just say, it’s been very profitable.”

This isn’t exactly what I wanted. Not even close. But at least I’ve answered one of my questions: I can use their relationship to my advantage. I can use Julian without feeling any guilt. Especially now that I know how tainted he is by the Inferno Consortium.

“Well, I must say, I’m impressed by Julian’s abilities.”

She hums in agreement. “I have no doubt he’ll continue to be an invaluable asset to both our families.”

I force a smile.

Something subtle but intrusive cracks inside of me, snapping, molding into something different. Somethingunrecognizable. Maybe I was still holding onto hope, onto that version of Julian I trusted with my naïve heart. But I should have stopped long ago. I should have tossed all hope the moment he trashed everything we were. When he decided I no longer mattered.

I shouldn’t have hoped for a viper to be nonvenomous.

The Inferno Consortium takes and takes, leaving a shell of a human in return. Leaving a hungry man willing to do anything to fill that void again.

And Julian Harrow?He’s ravenous.

“I’m in quite a generous mood today. Almost forgot about that hopeless case of a man dying.” Her eyes gleam when they take me in. “I’m hosting an intimate gathering at my cabin tonight. I’d be delighted if you could ... join us.”

“I’d love to. Thank you, Victoria.”

This is exactly the opportunity I need. Attending this party will allow me to start mapping out Victoria’s routine, finding the cracks in her curated façade. I have to be ready. I need to be two steps ahead of her, predicting each of her actions before she even considers them.

This party is my chance to strike.

“Excellent.” Her smile widens. “And you’ll be attending with Julian, of course. After all, you guys are friends.”

“Of course,” I echo.Great.

He’s the one person who could sabotage everything and he’s already suspicious of me. How will I get him off my back in there?

Maybe if I tell him to meet me there, I can arrive a bit earlier and use the extra time to snoop around and talk to people.

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