Page 80 of Guarded from Corruption

Why? What is he doing?

Crap. Crap. I can’t stand here doing nothing.

Focus.

I can do this.

Clearly, my father has had some kind of mental break. But he said he didn’t want to shoot me. So if I can just get out of here, get my mother out…

I’m edging toward the door again when he says, “I wouldn’t do that. Unless you want something to happen to Niall.”

Everything goes cold inside. “What do you mean?”

“He’s okay, for now.” A serpentine smile appears. “But if you don’t come with me willingly, I’ll have to shoot him. I’d rather not, since it would be quite messy. But if you leave me no choice…”

Nothing makes sense.

But I have to do something. Warn Niall. He can call for help.

Surely my father won’t really shoot him.

But I left my phone in the lounge. And I couldn’t just whip it out and start texting right now, anyway.

“Jade. It’s time to go.” My father advances on me, and I instinctively take a step away.

The earrings. I can use those.

Niall gave them to me after everything that happened with Dr. Regan. They have a tracker in them, but also can be triggered to send a call for help.

“If you’re in trouble,” Niall explained, “just press one of them hard. I’ll get an alert. Everyone at B and A will. We’ll get to you right away.”

So I reach up like I’m pushing my hair back and jab at the right earring, hoping like anything I’m doing it right.

“Jade.” It’s more irritated now. “It’s time to leave.”

“Why do I have to leave?” I need to stall him. Maybe I can even talk my father down. Somehow. “I don’t understand.”

“Oh, Jade.” He gives me that patronizing smile he always does. “I thought you might have figured it out. But”—he moves closer, still with the gun held steady—“I guess I overestimated you. Again.”

I flick a glance at my mother again, but she seems completely unfazed by everything that’s happening. “What should I have figured out?”

My father’s voice drops; cold and menacing. “You’re not escaping again, Jade. Not after all the trouble you’ve caused.”

My heart stops.

“Do you know how much money you cost me?” His eyes narrow. “Millions. Tens of millions, really. The whole organization, destroyed. Because of you and your willfulness.”

No.

It can’t be.

I gasp, “You? How?” I spin toward my mother. “Did you know?”

She bobs her head. “It’s better this way, Jade. Just do as your father says.”

What?

“Of course she knows. She was the first.” My father reaches for my arm, but I jerk away. His expression shadows. “I started it all to deal with stubborn women like you. Women who didn’t know their place, but had so much potential.”

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