Page 13 of Shadowed Obsession

His words punctuate the lack of trust in me and my abilities, and it’s like a blow to the gut. Because even though I should be used to it, I always hope for a different response.

Silly me.

“Why did you have to send Gina, though? She scared the shit out of my team,” I seethe, hating how lax he sounds about the situation while I’m constantly on edge.

He chuckles, further annoying me. “Regina scares everybody, but she’s family. You two need to work your shit out.That’swhy I sent her.”

“There’s nothing for us to work out after what she did,” I warn, hating that even after everything, his ghost haunts me.

“Accidents happen all the time. Lawrence was a grown man and knew better than to drive drunk. Didn’t know better when it came to you, though, but he fucking learned, didn’t he?”

Cracking jokes about taking a man’s life?

“Dad. Please don’t,” I choke out.

“You’re gonna listen to me now, Dee. We took him in. Treated him with respect, andthat’show he thanked us? Fuck him.” He spits the words out, like they’re poison.

The click of my blinker fills the space as I turn onto my street. I couldn’t be more grateful to see my home.

“Deirdre? You better not be crying over that sorry motherfucker,” he warns, like I would be so stupid. It’s not abouthim, it’s about the lack of humanity when it comes to others. We are not gods.

No matter what Elgin Klarke thinks.

“I’m not crying over him. It’s just…been a rough day,” I say with a sniffle.

He sighs. “You know I’m not good with tears. Listen…” he trails off, and I wait for him to continue, hoping he’s going to offer kind words. “I just want you safe. I love you, Dee.”

“I love you, too, Daddy. I just made it home.”

“Alright. Well, I hope you have a better night.”

“Thanks,” I say, disconnecting the call.

Of course, my dad doesn’t trust me to lead. Between running an empire, dealing with my mental and physical health, and finding time for myself, I’m at my wit’s end.

Darius was born for this and carries himself as such, leaving Dad with far less to worry about. Then there’s me, the thirty-year-old fuckup, spearheading this project because I’m paying for the sins of someone else’s wrongdoings. All while trying to restore the family name to something greater than the bodies it was built on. My brother has our parents’ trust, makes them proud, and as a result he oversees both organizations—and well, I might add. Fortunately for me, we’re both unmarried and childless, so at least the scale is even in one respect.

While we’re twins, I’m still the oldest and reminded of it by how much stricter Dad’s always been with me. If he could have it his way, I’d be exactly like my grandmother, acting more like Regina and less like…me. But if I inherited anything from Cici, it’s how dedicated I am to proving others wrong.

I travel up the driveway before stopping midway and taking a moment to appreciate the place of refuge that’s become my home. I shut my eyes, quietly affirming myself that I’m doing the right thing no matter how many odds are stacked against me, and I will prevail. Releasing a deep breath, I proceed into the garage and park. I adjust the leather tote on my shoulder as I exit the car. With ease, I input the security code and enter my house.

I head to the kitchen for a much-needed glass of wine, setting my bag on the island before turning toward my fridge. I notice the grocery list I tacked up and filled out this morning now has lines drawn through each item. I send a quick text thanking my housekeeper, Flora.

Hey! Thanks for placing a grocery order for me. I would’ve done it eventually, but I appreciate you so much!

Bubbles flash across the screen moments later with a response I didn’t expect.

Flora

Hi! I didn’t order groceries today. The fridge was full when I arrived.

What? Scrambling for a quick lie to avoid suspicion, I apologize as the earlier panic attack I worked to subside rears its ugly head.

Oh. My family was in town today, so one of them probably took care of it.

Sorry to bother you. Enjoy your night!

Neither of them would’ve handled my groceries, nor do they have a key to my house. So, someone was definitely in my house today before her shift started.

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