Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Gordon looks away for a long moment before his gaze lands on me again. There is pure rage burning in his glare, and it causes me to hold my breath.
“When your father’s heart started acting up, I hoped he would die then. I prayed for it. But the bastard survived and was ready to take back control of the organisation. I couldn’t let that happen, so I started to poison him. I wanted to take over the organisation, but I didn’t know how until I was approached by the leader of the Mod Boys. He was interested in destroying your father and his reputation, so we worked together to divert shipments and bring down you and your father. It would’ve worked if this lot hadn’t got involved.” He nods his head towards Hadrian, Hades and Racer.
The rage in his voice grows with every word, and the anger inside me coils tighter like a rope, tugging at my insides. It makes me feel sick thinking about what could have happened if this bastard had got away with his plan.
“My father knew it would be a mistake to put you in charge. That’s why he chose me to be the leader,” I respond. I’m raging inside, but I keep my voice calm.
Gordon laughs. It’s a harsh, bitter sound. “You? A leader? Don’t make me laugh, Harley. You’re just a child playing at being in charge. You don’t have the spine or the guts to lead this organisation.” His words are spat with such venom that I can’t stop myself wincing, and I know he’s seen my moment of weakness.
Silently, I admonish myself, but I can tell the men behind me are simmering with rage, and I can feel Hadrian’s warmth at my back. A reminder of the support I have.
I draw strength from it and refuse to back down.
“You’re wrong,” I tell Gordon firmly as I place my hands on the table in front of me. “I’ve already proved I can lead. I’ve kept us together through this crisis. You’re the one who’s failed, Gordon. Not me.”
It’s Gordon’s turn to flinch at my words. He knows he’s lost this war. There’s nothing he can do to stop us now. He will die today, and there’s a part of me that wants to witness it, but my father has made me promise not to get involved. He may trust me to lead, but there are still things he prefers his men to handle.
Hadrian steps forwards, his voice calm but authoritative.
“Harley is more of a leader than you’ll ever be, Gordon. She’s shown courage, resilience, and wisdom far beyond her years. You, on the other hand, have only shown cowardice and treachery. It’s time for you to pay for your sins. You know what happens to men who are disloyal to the Hunt organisation.”
Gordon’s sneer falters, his eyes shifting to Hadrian. “You’re as blind as she is. The Hunt organisation needs someone strong. Someone ruthless. Not a foolish, little girl who thinks she can play with the big boys.”
“Strength and ruthlessness aren’t the same as leadership,” Hadrian says, his voice like steel. “Harley has the loyalty and respect of everyone here. What do you have, Gordon? A failed coup and a lot of enemies.”
Gordon’s eyes narrow, but he doesn’t respond. He knows Hadrian is right. The silence stretches, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths.
Finally, Hades speaks up. His tone is almost conversational. “You made a mistake, Gordon. You underestimated Harley, and now you’re going to pay the price.”
Racer steps forwards, and I glance up to see a smirk on his face. “You’re an idiot for thinking you could take us all on. We’re stronger together, and Harley’s responsible for keeping us that way.”
I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of satisfaction and sadness. This confrontation was necessary, but it also reveals the deep fractures within our organisation.
“You’ll answer for your crimes, Gordon,” I say quietly. “You betrayed us, and you’ll pay the price for that.”
Gordon’s defiance flickers, replaced by a hint of fear. He knows there’s no way out of this.
“Do what you want,” he mutters, his voice losing its edge. “But don’t think for a second that you’re fit to lead. This organisation will crumble under you.”
I feel a sudden surge of determination, and standing up, I place my hands on the table and lean towards him. “We’ll see about that, Gordon. We’ll see.”
As I leave the room, I feel the weight of the encounter lift slightly. We’ve confronted a traitor, but the road ahead is still uncertain. Hadrian falls into step beside me, his hand brushing mine in a gesture of silent support.
“You did well in there,” he murmurs, his voice low and reassuring. “You showed him what real leadership looks like.”
I nod, feeling the warmth of pride spread through me at his words. “Thank you,” I say softly. “It means a lot to hear that from you.”