Page 146 of Money Reigns
“Then do it. Stop dancing around—say what you want to say.”
My father’s mouth twists. His gaze flicks to Olivia.
“You don’t think we’ve known aboutthatone?”
He gestures toward her with his glass, casual.
Like a blade.
“The small-town bumpkin. Keeping your little gold diggers in the city to warm your bed is one thing, Warren. But to present one tous?”
He shakes his head slowly, like I’ve spat on the family crest.
Olivia’s face flames red, her shoulders stiff.
My chest roars. “You’re so afraid of gold diggers, yet everyone knows how you met Mother.”
The room gasps.
My mother’s hand flies to her chest. “Warren.”
“Watch your mouth,” my father snarls, the mask slipping for the first time.
“You whine enough for someone who’s had everything handed to him. But no, you’re still chasing shadows. Still clinging toweakness.”
His eyes narrow. Sharp. Merciless.
“I didn’t think you could disappoint me more, until I hear you’re restoring the Parker Building. Still chasing what? Redemption? Over the death of some orphan?”
The word hits like a blow.
My breath turns to ash.
“Don’t.”
My voice tears through the silence. Raw. Jagged.
My hand crushes Olivia’s under the table.
“Don’t you dare bring him into this.”
Wesley’s chair scrapes back.
His face is red. His composure cracking. “That’s enough, Dad.”
“Quiet,” William snaps, turning his fury like a blade.
“You—” He points at Wesley, disdain curling his lip. “You’ve always been the weak one. You hide behind your computers and gadgets, yet nothing of use has come from it.”
Wesley’s jaw flexes.
He doesn’t move.
But the wound is written all over him.
“And you.” William turns on Wilder.
His tone laced with venom.
