Page 19 of Ruthless Legacy

“Oooh. Yes. That’ll be great. With eggs, scrambled with cheese and turkey bacon and sausage links.”

“Coming right up. I’ll bring a cup of coffee over in a bit.” She turns to Joshua. “Have you decided on what you’d like?”

“I’ll have the Eggs Benedict, with seasonal fruit and more coffee, from a fresh pot.”

Mel and I exchange a look. As much as I’ve eaten here, I’ve never known them to serve the dregs to a customer. But the way he just spoke to her, he might be the test dummy. “Thank you, Mel.” I say, diffusing the situation.

“Now,” Joshua says, drawing my attention back to him. “We have a lot to discuss about everything that’s happened since I’ve returned to town.”

“Okay, I’m all ears.”

He seems to like that answer. He probably thinks I’m ready to be compliant. I’m not. I just want to get him talking to see if I can get some answers about what he did to make my mother feel she had no choice but to run away.

“We haven’t had a chance to talk about my past and I apologize that I’ve been so busy. I thought I had more time to ease you into a discussion.” He flashes his teeth. “But that’s not the case because things have progressed rather quickly.”

“What things?”

“You’re aware that certain networking opportunities are available at your school with the Greek organizations and social clubs?”

“Yup.”

“Well, some of those relationships are bridges to other alumni activities. One of which I am a part of. Our family, for several generations, has been a part of it.”

“An alumni activity?”

“That is correct.”

I lean forward on my elbows. “Go on.”

“This organization, if you will, has ties to some of the most influential people in the world and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.” His face darkens. “Your parent’s actions nineteen years ago cost me my position in the organization. I faced a lot of backlash when Hailee announced she was pregnant out of wedlock and left here amidst a scandal. When she disappeared, Moira took up with Scott, exacerbating the situation.”

Why is he staring at me like this is the part where I’m supposed to say something? Does he want me to apologize for being born? Yeah, no. Not gonna happen. When he sees I have nothing to add, he says, “I petitioned for a review, many times, and each time was denied. I finally accepted the ruling and moved on with my life. Imagine my surprise when I was summoned to appear before the council after your initiation incident, only to be told that I had a granddaughter out in the world.”

“You’re not the only who got that surprise reveal.”

“Moira and I have talked at length about her deception, and as I told you before, she has a penance to pay.”

Penance. Punishment. Not a fan. My brain slips to the moments Holden has threatened to punish me. Nope. Not the time. I mean, ugh, not a fan of him either. I force my attention back to the man in front of me and the topic we’re discussing. “Because she lied?”

“Because her actions brought shame to our family’s name. Because her actions forced me to break an agreement I made. Her penance will continue until she’s made up for what she did.”

“She didn’t act alone.”

“Hailee’s actions cost me a lot of money in restitution for breaking the contract I made. She isn’t here, so the responsibility and blame falls squarely on Moira’s shoulders.”

Money. He’s punishing her because the stabbed birds made him pay a fine? Those few measly dollars are more important than his relationship with his daughter, even after all these years?

“What does any of this have to do with me?”

“I’m glad you asked. As Moira’s daughter and my granddaughter, I now have a valid reason for my petition to be approved. I had hoped to be reinstated to my original position within the organization with accumulated time, after a mandatory probationary period, but that was denied.”

“So sorry to hear that.” I’m not. Not even a little bit.

“Don’t be. I have accepted a lateral move to another facet of the organization.”

“Oh. Okay. Congrats.”

He beams at me. “This decision benefits you as well.”

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