Page 133 of The Bodyguard

“It’s up to who I say it is. My lawyers,” I said, stroking Max.

“Whose cat is that?” Ivy asked.

“Why are you here?” I ignored her and dragged my eyes back to my mother.

“Listen, I realize you have people to deal with things and that’s great, darling, but surely this thing with Gina has taught us all we need to be a closer family and...”

“You aren’t in my will.” I suddenly spurted out because I was tired. And wanted them gone.

They didn’t care.

They wanted to know how to get their hands on my money if I died.

“What?” Ivy cried. “I told you, Mom!”

Mom’s soft expression—her fake expression—hardened before my eyes.

I smiled, because fuck her.

“Gina told me how you conspired together,” I said, shooing Max away.

I shot Marshall a glance, and he nodded to reassure me he was not going anywhere. Then suddenly I was filled with rage.

Where was Ryder?

Why wasn’t he here with me?

Like everyone else, he had deserted me, and I wanted to tell him how cruel he was. Why bother being kind and calling my family out for not supporting me when he was just going to do the same thing?

His words, which had meant so much, now just hurt. They felt empty and yet lay inside my heart like heavy rocks.

I took all my anger for Gina and Ryder and my family and let it swirl around me like a vortex of power. Then directed it at my mother and sister.

“The only reason I let you into my home was so I could give you the opportunity to show me who you really are.” I stood. “You didn’t visit me when I was shot. You’re here for my money. Spoiler alert—you will never get a single dollar.”

“We will fight it.” Mom hissed as she stood to face me. “I raised you. I deserve to get some of it.”

“You will fail. But I will enjoy watching you waste what little money you have trying,” I said, shaking my head. Then walked toward the door. “See these women out.”

Marshall smirked as we both ignored the abuse being thrown at me.

“Ladies, please leave the house,” Marshall said with great pleasure in his voice.

I had walked up my sweeping staircase as tears fell down my face. After that, I’d cried for days.

Ryder never contacted me.

Two days ago, weeks after I had last seen him, I sent Max home. I adored that beautiful cat, but it was like I couldn’t move on because he was a constant reminder of the man I knew I loved.

One I had accepted I would never see again.

I drop my glass after taking a long sip and then clap my hands together. “Let’s do this. Golden Globes, here we come.”

I’m very excited.

Everyone jumps into action. I might be dressed and looking like Cinderella, but only half the job is done. Getting there and walking on the red carpet is a huge event all in itself.

Aidan opens the door and I see three limousines lined up.

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