Page 28 of A Father's Insistence

“I didn’t touch her! I didn’t buy her that night.”

“No, you got one of your old pals to do it instead, didn’t you? Not satisfied with having one woman you wanted them all.”

“When are you going to shut up and start listening? It was your father who bought her.”

“Liar!”

I send a harsh punch into Nicholas’ face, but it misses at the last minute when I’m pulled away. Spinning around, I find William glaring at me.

“You need to listen to him,” the younger brother spits out and lets go of me to stand tall beside the older one.

“I don’t need to listen to either of you. I’ve got all the proof here I need to destroy you.” I pull the picture from my pocket and hand it to Nicholas. He goes pale and hands it to his brother.

“It captures your good side at least.” William shrugs, and Nicholas rolls his eyes.

“This isn’t what you think it is.”

He looks across to the picture.

“So, it’s not you stealing one of the world’s most expensive paintings by a very famous artist. One that was stolen in 2010 and has only just been recovered. In London, incidentally.”

“He’s got you there,” William informs his brother.

“Not helping at the moment,” Nicholas responds through gritted teeth.

William rolls his eyes and takes a seat at one of the desks.

“All right, it is me who is stealing the picture, but I was also the one who gave it back. I was told to steal it during my father’s rule, and at that time, I didn’t disobey him.

I shake my head, not believing a word coming out of this man’s mouth. I doubt he even knows what is right and wrong anymore with all the lies he’s spinning.

“You’ve got twenty-four hours to have Victoria, Tamara, and Rose delivered to my house with all their belongings. After which time, you and your brother will leave London and never contact them again. If this doesn’t happen, I’ll be sending this straight to the police. Your reign of terror is over.”

“I’m not giving my wife up.” William jumps to his feet, and still holding the picture, he rips it up.

A malevolent chuckle escapes my lips with triumphant glee.

“If you think that’s the only copy, then you’re not as bright as I’ve been led to believe.”

Turning back to face Nicholas, I stare him down,

“Twenty-four hours. The clock is ticking.”

I don’t wait for a reply. I simply turn on my heel and leave to return home to Joanna. Soon my sister and Tamara will be free. I know my father would have wanted me to use the ultimatum to take over the Oakfield Society, but the safety of Victoria, Tamara and Rose is more important. I’m sure he’ll understand when I tell him.

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