Page 169 of Uprising

“My marriage.” She says passing the paper for me to see. “He had it annulled.”

“A marriage made under duress doesn’t count.” Hastings says folding his arms. “You’re officially Rose Capulet again.”

She leans into me letting out such a sigh of relief, as she’s been caged and is finally free to fly again.

“I had the lawyers draft it. I’ve also been informed that the bank has unblocked your account. Your money has been returned.”

“What money?” Rose asks.

“Your inheritance from your first husband.”

Fuck. I’d forgotten about that. By the look on her face Rose has forgotten about that too. Her jaw drops and she murmurs something incomprehensible under her breath.

Hastings looks at me. “After your prematurely announced demise your estate was transferred to your sister. Her husband has had full access to it, however, that works both ways. Seeing as Otto is dead, all his wife’s money has been returned to her and his wealth has been split. Sofia inherits a third of it along with his daughters.”

“Have you told her?” Rose asks.

Hastings shakes his head. “No. We are aware she is staying at the Four Seasons and we have patrols stationed there to keep an eye on her but she is not being forthcoming with me in any capacity…”

“She needs time.” I growl.

Hastings sighs. “Then it’s a good thing her husband is dead. It means she doesn’t need to testify about any of it.”

“What about everyone else?” Rose replies. “What about everyone else Darius and Otto let near her?”

Hastings winces. “Those we know of will be held accountable.”

“And the rest?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Without her testimony we have nothing to go on.”

I snarl. I know what he says makes logical sense but I won’t put her through that, I won’t have her forced to relive it in any capacity.

“We are still trying to locate Darius.” Hastings says fixing us with a look. “If either of you have an inkling…”

“We don’t.” Rose says lying better than I can in this moment.

“Fine.” He says looking annoyed. “I’ll speak with your mother, perhaps she has an idea what part of hell he has crawled to.”

“Good luck with that.” I mutter.

Hastings turns to go and but Rose lets go of my hand and quickly follows after him. She murmurs something to him. He pauses, frowning like he doesn’t get what she’s saying. When she repeats it, he gives her a look of sympathy and then he nods.

“What was that about?” I ask when she returns but she just shakes her head changing the subject to Lara, to how she will be hungry and wanting breakfast.

* * *

When Katie arrives,it’s clear there’s some trauma there too. Some bonding as well. Katie hugs Rose and I’m shocked that Rose hugs her back like she’s a friend.

“You were so brave.” Katie says.

I narrow my eyes looking between them. I didn’t see one article. I didn’t see a damn thing she did to help Rose and yet apparently she knew what was going on?

“It’s okay.” Rose says looking at me, clearly seeing the expression on my face and already knowing where my head is at.

“You didn’t do anything.” I say to Katie.

She winces. “I know. I had my hands tied. I needed proof and I was getting that when everything kicked off.”

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