Page 84 of Thorns of Malice

I grind my molars, pondering her question. I hate that I can't claim I didn't fuck her over. So I answer honestly.

Me: Not many.

Unknown: Just stay away from me. I don't want anything from you except my father's patent.

Me: Everything will come to light soon.

Unknown: You're the same Dax, I see.

Me: I assure you, I'm not.

Unknown: Sure, you aren't. Give me my father's patent, then leave me alone.

I sigh, staring at the messages, and decide maybe I need to follow part of her orders—at least for a little while. I know I won't last long, but maybe a little time will soften her a bit.

I stare out the window with my arms crossed, focusing on the waves crashing against the shore.

My phone buzzes.

Shadow: It's done.

My heart beats faster. I sit down and go to the Clifton University web page.

A pop-up appears with the long video I created, and giddiness erupts within me. Then I check my email. Sure enough, the same thing is in my inbox. I log in to several of my other accounts, and the same email from Clifton University sits in each box.

I text Shadow.

Me: Students and staff?

Shadow: Of course.

Me: Donors too?

Shadow: Do you think I'm slipping or something?

I grin and then I log in to my untraceable offshore account. I transfer twenty million dollars to Shadow.

My phone vibrates on the desk.

Shadow: It's always good doing business with you. I wiped the metadata as well.

Me: Good man. Stay tuned. I'll have another project for you soon.

Shadow: Looking forward to it.

I sit back in my chair, watching the video again, feeling dizzy with excitement. I've waited years for the day I would unleash my wrath upon them.

My phone rings, and my day only gets better. "William," I boom into the phone.

"You fucking bastard. Take it down, now."

"Take what down?" I innocently ask.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about," Dyer seethes.

"I don't. Do you want to fill me in? If something's wrong, I might be able to help you."

"You fucking bastard. You're ruining my life," he declares.

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