Page 83 of Oliver
My mother's face twisted into something most people would perceive as sympathy, but I knew better.
"If you love them, you'll be on a plane back to Seattle tonight.” She reached across the table as if to touch my hand. “Otherwise? By the time they cut the wedding cake, everyone will know you’re aworking man. Think about what that would do to Zahra.”
My jaw clenched tighter, hands curling into fists.
“And if you even think of approaching Davidson or contesting the court ruling, all your sacrifices will be for nothing."
My scientific mind cataloged threats and variables even as rage burned cold in my chest. They'd been watching me. They knew about Zahra. About Foxy's. My mother's smug expression said they probably had proof.
But Davidson? It never occurred to me to hunt down the head of the snake. Until now.
"You haven't changed at all, have you?" My voice came out steady despite the trembling in my hands. "Still using the church to justify cruelty. Still thinking money and status can buy the right to destroy lives."
"Oh, Ollie, you’ve always been so dramatic." She reached for my cheek like she used to when I was small. I leaned away. "We're trying to protect you. From scandal. From sin." Her eyes drifted to where Zahra's name lit up on my phone with an incoming message. "From making more...unfortunate choices."
The implied threat against Zahra made my vision go red. But years of protecting Emmet had taught me to channel rage into strategy. They were threatening everyone I loved because they knew it was my weakness.
And they were right.
"Is that all?" I asked, my voice cold.
She studied me, then sighed dramatically. "Think about what's truly important, Oliver. Family. Legacy. Your future." She stood, smoothing her already immaculate dress. "You have until tomorrow morning to make the right decision."
I watched my mother walk away, my fists clenching under the table as I processed what had just happened.
Then, as if hit by a gamma-ray burst, I shot up from my seat and ran.
I had to get to Zahra.Now.
Halfway to the elevators, I screeched to a halt.
My mother and Maryam Ansari, expressions grave as they engaged in a hushed discussion.
Slowly, I backed into a hidden corner, staring, guessing. Engrossed in the scheming happening right in front of me in broad daylight.
Then Ryan materialized beside me.
"Rough reunion?" Ryan's smile was practiced concern as he peered over my shoulder. "Oooh, damn, yeah, I wouldn’t want to be on those two’s bad side either.”
I kept my face neutral, but Ryan pressed on.
“So, just a friendly heads up, but word about your employment situation is spreading." I crossed my arms, leaning a shoulder against the wall as I watched my mother walk out of the hotel. "It's obvious nobody wants you here, Beck. Not your family, not the bride's family, definitely not me.”
He paused, waiting for me to react, as if his opinion held any weight.
“I mean, come on, Beck. Think about Zahra's reputation. Her career. Her family ties."
Another pause. I still didn’t deign him with a response.
"Even your academic career. It would be a shame if someone reported your side gig to the Office of Academic Integrity."
Each word was calculated, an aimed arrow, but I maintained my unfazed exterior, turning to look at Ryan with a cold glare.
"It's never a good idea to meddle in other people's business, Ryan."
"Yeah, but you know, I'm worried for our girl." The way he said "our" like he still had some claim to Zahra made my fingers prickle with the need to hurt him. "You've always been a logical guy, Beck. Zahra won't listen to sense, but you?—"
He was pinned against the wall before he could finish the sentence, my fingers wrapped around his throat.
