Page 142 of Bite Me

He grabs a pen from his cup holder, clicking the end.

“I take it that there’s some paperwork in here absolving your girlfriend of our little contract?”

“Page 7. I’ll be checking signatures, so make them nice.”

“I’ll be sure to send a wedding gift. You two are cute together.”

He motions to the lawyers, and they wait for my signal to start the paperwork.

“You can deflect all you want. I know who you are now.”

“You didn’t tell your brothers or sister. Why?”

I will once I have enough evidence and when the time is right. It will all be easier once he’s locked up and out of our lives.

“We’re not your concern anymore.”

“What are we doing after this?” Florence tugs on my arm. “Can you take me to see Emma? I want to see your room.”

“Your brother Daniel told me about the threat you made against him when I reached out, searching for your sister. You’re more like me than your father. Remember that.”

We all watch as he reads swiftly through each set of papers and signs.

I did threaten Daniel with a lot more than money if he were to betray me and take my sister somewhere I couldn’t find her. And that’s the difference my grandfather can’t see; it’s not about the money or the legacy. Just the people I love and have to protect.

Nothing he did was for anyone else. It was always for himself.

“You’re wrong about me.”

“We’ll go if you can’t keep it together,” I whisper to my sister, when she shakes me for an answer.

“I didn’t even mention any of his wrinkles.”

“Want a medal?” I joke.

Once he’s done, it’s our turn to sign in the midst of our lawyers. My grandfather keeps his calm stoic expression. I keep waiting for him to say something. To tell me I forgot a crucial detail that turns this whole thing back in his favor. But I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment. I’ve got him right where I want him.

“I’m free today if either of you wants to invite me,” Daniel says, sheepishly.

My sister and I look at each other and smile.

Florence smiles. “I’ll give you one more chance, since you didn’t kidnap me this weekend.”

“Kidnap you? I spent a fortune on games to keep you entertained and fed all weekend.”

“As you should. That’s the least you can do for forgetting all my birthdays.”

“She has a point,” I say, turning to Daniel.

“You owe me some gifts,” Florence says.

“Fine. I’ll take you shopping in the city.”

“Only if Dacre comes.”

“Dacre.” My grandfather’s voice catches my attention as I sign the last of the documents, and he stands. “I will be watching. Expect information from me in the coming months about the incident you’re referring to.”

“I’ll be here when you get out, doing more with the estate than you ever would have. I’ll be sure to let Liam know his services will no longer be needed with the Everhart family.”