Page 137 of Theirs to Corrupt

My heart twists into a hard knot.

“This is a lot to take in.”

I’m reeling, hardly able to piece anything together.

“Any questions for me?”

“The fund manager. Is he doing a good job?”

“As far as I can see, Julie is doing an excellent job of looking out for your interests.”

Julie.I like that my dad chose a woman for me to work with.

“Management fees are higher than I’d like to see, but not out of line with industry standards.” She pauses for a moment. “I believe Merritt Sovereign is higher.”

I’m not quite sure what all that means, but I’m determined to find out.

“I’ll text you her phone number. You should get acquainted. If you like her, you can continue to work with her. I’ll also send you the information for your parents’ attorney.”

“Thank you.”

“Take some time to think about all of this. Call me when you’d like to meet again? Of course, I’m here if you have further questions. And if you should want to make any moves, we can.”

Dazed, I stand and say goodbye. When I reach the door, I stop and turn back. “What about Axel’s trust? Did he have one?”

She nods. “He did.”

“It’s gone?”

“As far as I can tell. I haven’t taken a deep dive into his finances.”

With his gambling issues. I know the answer.

She’s quiet for a moment. “Tessa… I don’t normally give advice.”

For the first time, I smile. “But…?”

“Your brother had an inheritance, a house that was paid off, a business that was solvent. He’s had more than enough chances. If you sign over your trust, he’ll be back in the same financial situation again soon.”

Celeste is right. Yet he’s still my brother, despite everything.

Back in the SUV, I try to sort through my crazy emotions. I’m frustrated and angry with Link. I’m furious with my brother. My dad worked his whole life to take care of us. Even after his death, he’d done that. And Axel screwed it all up.

Would I be selfish to keep the funds my dad set aside for me? Especially considering the cost to Axel?

Not quite ready to return home, I ask Arielle to swing by the coffee shop, and since the afternoon is steamy, I order us both a frozen concoction. Then I splurge and add cake pops to the order.

“Oh God,” she complains when we drive through to pick up the order. “I so don’t need this.”

“Neither do I.” I grin as I place the beverages in the cup holders.

“You didn’t need to get me anything.”

“Are you kidding? You need the caffeine. Your job is hard.” And probably boring as hell. Trying to stay sharp, prepared for danger, even when nothing ever happens.

“Thanks,” she says, wrinkling her nose at me. “But now I’ll have to hit the gym after my shift.”

I stick my straw through the whipped cream and stir it in. “Wouldn’t you anyway?”

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