Page 67 of The Favorite Girl

“I’d like to work today,” I said softly as I walked beside Daphne.

“Why?” she fired back.

“Bradley’s leaving. Who will bring the girls food?” I answered without showing much emotion.

“We’ve already hired someone else to fill in both of your positions. Your only job is to make and keep my son happy, and then give us a grandson.” She cocked her head to the side.

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied flatly and followed her into the room.

Bradley was sitting next to his sister, but he immediately stood when I entered the room. His contact lenses were back in, and his hair had been bleached blonde again.

Conrad looked between us and stood, coming toward me, causing me to flinch.

“I can’t wait for the bastard to be gone.” He blew his hot, muggy breath into my ear.

Squinting at him, I kept my lips together and sat down.

Daisy looked beautiful as she was permitted to wear a touch of color. She had her blonde wig on and wore a soft yellow dress with nude pumps.

Dr. Ivory followed my line of vision. “She graduated from the program with flying colors.” He mocked with a laugh, and Mason Davenport laughed with him proudly.

“She’ll start speaking in a week, if you want her to. And of course, if there are any problems with your purchase, we uphold the Ivory family sixty-day guarantee.” Dr. Ivory handed Mason something that looked like a receipt.

But then a pit in my stomach grew and I knew, it didn’t look like a receipt. It was one.

“I don’t foresee any issues with this custom-designed bride. Ian, Daphne, thank you both for providing this brilliant service.” Mason stood and buttoned his suit jacket.

“And you, my dear, are one lucky girl to be next in line for this empire.” He let his eyes graze over my entire body, which caused nausea to pool in my stomach.

“Can you believe I chose her?” Conrad sighed before looping his arm into mine.

“An Ivory man always knows what he wants,” Mason snarled.

“That is true, my friend. And Demi had always been the favorite girl.” Dr. Ivory came up behind me, letting his hand brush against my ass before patting my back.

Bradley’s fist clenched as his jaw ticked. I shook my head slightly in hopes he’d see me, praying that he’d keep his emotions in check. The way he was looking at me shattered my strength because I knew his was barely there.

Conrad and Ian made their way to have a private conversation with Dr. Davenport, leaving Daisy standing like a statue next to her brother. I hadn’t seen her make eye contact with him even once.

I didn’t blame her or him. How can you look your sibling in the eyes after they’ve been brutally raped? How can you look at your sister, knowing a thin piece of glass separated you from possibly protecting her? How can you look at your older brother, knowing he watched you be victimized and wasn’t able to save you?

How can we all continue to live like this? What did any of us do to deserve being trapped in a nightmare come true?

“Daisy, I’m so sorry.” I looked into her icy eyes. She was so pale that her skin was almost translucent—the result of not seeing sunlight for god knows how long. The result of being caged in an all-white, colorless, soundless room.

Daisy tilted her head and stared at me. She parted her thin, pale-pink lips and then…

She smiled at me.

“Daisy is happy,” she rasped.

Bradley’s eyes widened in shock as he looked at her. “Daisy…” He reached out to touch her arm, but Conrad prevented him from doing so.

“You know no bounds with another man’s wife, do you?” He swatted Bradley’s hand away.

Daisy threw her arms around Conrad and hugged him tightly. Bradley’s brows knitted together as he looked at the shocking interaction. A sinister and satisfied grin grew on Conrad’s face as he patted her like a compliant dog.

“Bradley,” I began, but immediately stopped when Conrad looked at me with fury.

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