Page 206 of The Silent Note

I feel rather than hear Finn’s quick intake of surprise.

“But you,youweren’t forced into this, and yet, you fell in love with your selfishness, with crime and with destruction. I still have my conscience, but you, Kurosaki, you don’t have one and you never will. There is no bottom line for a man who lives for his own gain. He will only want more and more. He will leave war and brokenness in his wake. And he will never,everlive happily. But I will.”

I rise to my full height and look down at Sloane who’s staring at me with awe. Slowly, the bruises start to fade from her face.

“Do you really mean it, Grey. Will you live happily now?”

I nod.

“Will you still remember me as someone you cared about, even after hearing the truth?”

I smile and nod, recalling a conversation once where Sloane made me promise to never leave her, no matter what gossip I heard.

Now I know why she requested that of me.

And now I know I can maintain my half of that promise.

You are still loved, Sloane.

A tear slips down Sloane’s cheek, followed by another.

And another.

You are not less valuable because of the choices you made. You deserved to live. You deserved peace. You deserved to be happy. And I will always be proud to call you my best friend. So be at peace now.

“Thank you.”

A tear slips down her cheek and, slowly, Sloane disappears.

I know, deep in my heart, that she won’t be back.

Chapter Fifty-Four

GREY

For so long, all I had was vengeance and the thirst for answers. The very thirst that drove me to this point in the first place.

Now I have my answers. They weren’t exactly what I thought, but they’re mine.

Most importantly, Sloane can rest knowing that the truth changes nothing about my care and love for her.

“A man like you will never win,” I say, brushing away a tear that plops on my chin. Facing Kurosaki, I lift my head. “I will take you down if it’s the last thing I do.”

“Many have tried.”

“There’s a first for everything.”

His eyes narrow. I feel a cold wind.

“Mind your words. You are alive only at my son’s request. However, my goodwill toward Finn’s family can only extend so far.”

I inhale a deep breath. “Finn,” I say.

He stands straighter.

“Let’s go.”

Kurosaki motions to him. “Before you leave…”

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