Page 145 of Brutal Kingdom

“My ex-husband and I are great co-parents. I trust his decisions when it comes to Logan, and I understand what he’s doing and why, but I’m not onboard with it.”

“Isn’t he the one you should be saying this to?”

“I’ve told him. For years, I’vebeentelling him and he usually listens. But this time…” She shakes her head, a worry line appearing on her forehead. “I thought I had a little more time to get through to him, but I’m afraid time has run out.”

Shrugging, I say, “You’re right. It’s too late. I’ve accepted Logan’s marrying Bella. There’s really nothing anyone can do about it. Mr. McKay has made up his mind.”

“It’s not too late to change Logan’s.”

She seems like a sweet lady and I can see how much she loves her son, but she’s got this all wrong. There’s nothing anyone can do about this. “You must not know how firmly Logan stands by his convictions.”

“Oh, I know. Believe me, him and his convictions have worked my last nerve over the years. But I also know his heart, and that he’s just as against marrying Bella as I am. There’s only one reason he’s doing it.”

“Yes. The end goal. Control of McKay Media.” I’m holding my saucer in my lap, letting the warmth soothe me. “Showing he’s responsible and ready to settle down is the only way to keep control of the company.“ I give her a tight smile. “Yeah, I know all about it.”

Shaking her head, she says. “He’s doing it to protect you.”

“Protect me from who? Bella? She’s no longer a threat. I’m withdrawing my claim to the inheritance. I’ve already submitted the paperwork.”

Pulling an envelope out of her purse, she scoffs, “This paperwork? It never made it past the clerk’s desk.”

I look down at the documents. Panic settling into my bones. “Mrs. Wainwright.” I croak. “How did you get that?”

“Just because I’m not married to a founding family anymore doesn’t mean I don’t still have power and influence around here.”

“But why would you pull my petition?”

“Because I don’t think you’re the type of girl to sit by and allow people to walk all over her. Nothing I’ve ever heard, read, or seen about you says you’re a quitter. So why would you quit on this?”

I glance over at Pepper. Did she tell Emilia I was withdrawing my claim? I thought she understood how dangerous it was for me to continue. “It’s best for my family.”

“Jordanna, I understand taking care of family. That’s why I’m here, trying to do what’s best for mine, and I can’t do that without your help.”

“I don’t know what you think I can do. The working draft of the marriage contract has been digitally signed.”

“That’s just paperwork. And printed or digital, I have a knack for making things disappear.” She smiles. “Or reappear if needed.”

“That’s the same thing…” I clap my mouth shut. No, I can’t say anything, in case it’s just a coincidence that she just quoted one of Simon’s favorite phrases to me.

She smiles. Wide and genuine. “Simon’s basically a second son to me, so when he came to me a few years ago with a problem, he asked for my help. I happily gave it to him. Now he’s helping me. That’s what families do.”

“So, have you known about me and this inheritance all along?”

“I’ve only recently learned about your ties to Kingsley Hollow. My husband works on the zoning commission. He had trouble tracking down land deeds, and Simon helped with that. He found some questionable transactions and blueprints, and documents on land disputes dating back hundreds of years. I came to Pepper with my suspicions, and she shared the information she had. We found dozens of instances where families were forced off their land and out of their businesses. In each of those situations, the original title document or contract was missing. I made some calls to those families and visited a few while Doug and I were traveling. Eventually, we brought on some ladies we both know and trust, and we all got together and came up with a plan to save our town.”

“From Donald Ruttledge.”

“Yes. This is just a small group of the women we’re working with. We’re taking him down. It’s too late for some of us, but we’re parents and aunts and, in some cases, grandparents. We have a duty to protect the next generation of Kingsley Hollow Elite. You’re a part of that, Jordanna.”

She points to her left. “Pepper wanted to help fix what was done to Imogen Summer because the family was important to hers.” She points to Tabitha’s mom. “Gaia is trying to protect her family’s hotel chain and brand from Donald’s takeover attempt.” Next she points to Kassidy’s mom. “And Finola is here because you’re best friends with her daughter and she thinks you deserve all the support you can get.”

Finn levels me with her therapist stare. “Plus, you know how I feel about the patriarchy trying to silence women, and this is the biggest display of tyrannical male bullshit I’ve ever seen.” She shakes her head at me. “No, Jordanna, you will not sit down and be quiet. You will not let the men shame you into submission. Now if you wanna submit, that’s totally your right. But you’re still gonna be the one in control when you do it.”

“Ladies, I appreciate all the encouraging words but-”

“No buts, Jordanna Felding!” My eyes snap to the door at the sound of my mother’s voice.

“Mom?”

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