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He coughs and then grabs a tissue and spits into it.

“I’m pretty sure this is payment for how badly I treated the two of you.” He nods his head as he coughs again. “I deserve it.”

“Now, about that will. I’m sure it’ll come as no surprise that Ryan will lose half of his inheritance. I’ll let you two figure out the split with Harold. My only request is that Ryan take my place at the round table. Give ‘em hell, my boy. They need some fresh blood in the group. I love you boys. Both of you.”

He begins coughing again and reaches for another tissue before stopping the recording.

Harold stands and turns on the lights.

“I miss that old prick,” he says.

CHAPTER 37

Carina

RYAN’S BIRTHDAY

As we leave the meeting, Ryan and Alex rehash what their father said as they walk together towards the parking lot. I hang back, letting them have their space. I’m happy to see the two of them looking more relaxed and at ease than I have ever seen them before.

Reggie leans towards me. “Miss, not sure if you noticed a visitor at Ryan’s vehicle.”

“Oh no, not now,” I say.

“Shall I ask her to leave?” he asks.

“No, but thank you, Reggie. I can handle this.” I take a deep breath to steel myself.

Mom smiles as we get closer to the cars, then she holds her arms out to me for a hug, but I don’t engage.

“How’d you know I’d be here?” I ask.

“Of course I know where my daughter is,” she leans in and kisses my cheek. “And look at you with these two handsome men.” She leans in closer to me and whispers. “If you can spare one, I’d really appreciate it, you little slut.”

“Don’t talk to me like that,” I say, stepping back from her.

“Oh, did I hurt the poor baby’s feelings?”

“You should leave,” Alex says, stepping between my mother and me.

“Oh, look at this,” Mom says. “This one isn’t even your boyfriend.” Her eyes lower and then widen as she notices something. “Is that a diamond on your hand? And you didn’t tell me?”

She pushes past Alex and grabs my hand. She tries pulling the ring off my finger, but I yank my hand away.

“What is your problem?” I ask.

“What is it? Two carats? Looks clean too. I’d expect something bigger, but?—”

“Alex is right, Mom. You should leave.”

My chest flutters with excitement and dread as I say the words. A cold rush passes over me. I feel guilty for speaking to her like that, but proud of myself for standing up to her. Still, I can’t look at her anymore. I just want to leave, so I reach for the open car door.

“Don’t you dare turn your back on me, you ingrate,” she says as she grabs my arm roughly. “I’m really tired of how rude you are to me. And after all I’ve done for you. After all of my sacrifices.”

“All you’ve done for me? What did you ever do for me other than give birth?”

Her hand comes up and slaps my cheek. Without thinking, I slap her back. Her eyes widen like saucers. She steps back, clutching her cheek in shock.

“How dare you?” she hisses as she steps forward, getting into my face. “I’ve been struggling since the day I got pregnant with you. You ruined my life, Carina. I could’ve been somebody, but no, you had to come along. My entire life, everything, is all your fault.”

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