Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91809 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91809 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
My face heated. Laid out like that, I sounded ridiculous to me too. “I know it’s a long shot. Let’s be honest, getting rid of Everleigh is easy, but it wasn’t only her that killed Winter. It was the club she used as her weapon. It was the soulless members that tortured her for money, status, and self-preservation. It was the dozens upon hundreds of students that weren’t even in the club, but when they saw what was happening to her, they either joined in or ignored it.
“If the strike that takes down Everleigh doesn’t bring everyone else down with her, there’s no point. Everleigh has to admit she was behind Winter’s rape and murder, as well as the rapes and murders of too many other people.
“She has to say that she used the T.O.D. Club to wield her revenge so that all those privileged little rich kids can’t hide behind lawyers who say the club is just a joke and no one can prove they carried out those dares. She has to turn on her new hacker buddy and tell the world that she burned down the Gallery and had my boyfriends framed as terrorists.
“Do I know that it’ll be next to impossible to get her to do any of that? Yes,” I snapped. “Of course I do. But I’m desperate and out of options. All I know is that Everton was the only person in this world that she cared about, and love like that doesn’t go away just because they do. If it did, I wouldn’t be here right now fighting for Winter.”
Something flickered in her eyes too fast for me to identify.
“You’ve done a lot of dodging, deflecting, and answering a question with a question, but now I’m asking you flat out. If you don’t give me a straight answer, I’m leaving now. Among all the dirt you’ve collected on the people of Regalia, do you know something that can take Everleigh down?”
Astoria watched for a long, silent spell. Long enough, the hairs prickled on the back of my neck.
I imagined growing up in the Burkhardt mansion, enduring her penetrating gaze and all-knowing air of superiority. Thank you, Mom, for turning down her offer. Growing up with you beats growing up a Burkhardt any day.
“All right, Luna,” she said. “Let’s say I do know something that can help you. Let’s say I’m willing to help you dig yourself further into this ugly mess and put yourself more at risk by continuing to engage with someone you’ve named a murderer. It’s a high price you ask of me—putting my youngest granddaughter in danger. It’s a high price I expect in turn.”
It took me a minute to pick through her reply. “Did you just give me the proper version of ‘it’ll cost ya’?”
She laughed. “I guess I have.”
“Why would I give you anything? You should want to help me.”
“I do want to help you, dear. I desire the same outcome as you, but there is an opportunity for both of us that isn’t likely to come around again. I must seize this chance for your own good.”
I frowned. “Riddles and more riddles.”
“Fine, then I’ll be plain. I do have information that can help you, but in exchange, I’ll need you to sign this.” Astoria took a folder out of her bag and handed it over.
I read the line at the top and froze—reading it again and again. Disbelief brought my gaze lower, forcing me to read the rest. “But this is... This says that I revoke any claim to the Burkhardt companies, monies, or property. You want me to sign away my inheritance.”
Her smile was pleasant. “I do.”
“But why? What about that tale of victimhood you spun five minutes ago about being forced out of my life? Now you’re the one forcing me out of the family.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, dear. It’s not you I’m keeping out of the family, it’s Martha Wilson.”
“Martha?”
“Oh, yes.” She looked down at her nails, almost too fast for me to catch that look again. Something about it unsettled me, but I couldn’t place why. “I had a bad feeling when she announced you and Victor were getting married, but I dismissed it because it wasn’t possible for her to know your true parentage. Then, Alistair informed me she knows everything.
“Martha cannot be allowed to sink her claws into your shares of the Burkhardt holdings. Your other option is to dissolve the engagement between you and Victor—”
“No!”
“Now, now. Don’t be too hasty,” she said, clicking her tongue. “You both are young. Still teenagers. As it is, I’m told you have many paramours.”
“I wouldn’t say many,” I gruffed.
She looked at me knowingly. “Why bother with the relationship imbalance that comes from marrying one of them when they can all equally be your lovers?”
I had no idea how to respond. How was I getting relationship advice from my grandmother on how to date six men?