Page 175 of Riot

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” she said, her voice smooth like warm tea. “Your mother loved you boys something fierce. Said it every time we met.”

Her hug was solid, grounding, like a bridge back to Mama.

She guided us into a private office with dark wood walls, fresh lilies in a vase, and a silver tray of water and tea. Everything about the space was deliberate, respectful. Reverent.

“I know this isn’t easy,” she said as we sat. “But your mother was thorough. And she wanted this done right.”

She pulled out a folder and adjusted her glasses.

“Before I give you her personal letter, I want to go over the official terms of her will.”

We nodded, bracing.

“Tessa’s shares in King Security and Logistics are to be handed over in full to Abra King.”

That made sense, since Abra was her right hand man. Or woman rather.

“She trusted her,” Denise added. “Said Abra had vision, loyalty, and no thirst for power. She wanted the company in steady hands.”

She turned another page.

“Ninety percent of her estate is being donated to charitable foundations and organizations that help abused women, foster youth, and trafficking survivors.”

She was trying to make up for the damage that Silas had caused. I didn’t care about her not leaving us any money. We had the company still and will be making more money in the future. If she had left us her cash, I would’ve donated it anyway.

“And the last ten percent,” Denise continued, her tone softening, “is going to her son, Cannon Price.”

Silence cracked open between us.

Creed’s head snapped toward her. I just stared.

“She left you both a letter,” Denise said gently, placing the thick, folded envelope on the desk. “Tessa wanted you to hear it in her words.”

“My sons,

If you're reading this, then I’m gone. And I’m trusting you both to hold what I’m about to tell you with care.

Many years ago, after your father betrayed me with one of his mistresses, I stepped out too. It wasn’t love. It was revenge. And it gave me something I didn’t expect.

A baby.

I didn’t keep him. I couldn’t. I sent you both to Atlanta for a summer, gave birth in secret, and placed him for adoption through a closed agency. I thought it was the right thing.

But life has a cruel way of circling back.

A few years ago, I found out Silas kept tabs on him. Not only that, he set him up. Had him arrested after learning he’d joined a rival crew. He used his connections to make sure he stayed locked up.

His name is Cannon Price.

He’s your brother.

And I am asking you, from the deepest part of my soul, to protect him.

Find him. Help him. He’s blood. And I need to know that you’ll take care of what I couldn’t.”

The air in the room went still.

Like the world paused. Like time folded in on itself and dumped us into another reality.

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