Page 74 of Ravage

"Meaning you're terrified of me and had to build a literal prison to lock me up so that your bed feels safe at night."

My father folds his arms, tipping his chin up. "You can keep that copy. It's for you anyhow. By law, we have to notify all shareholders of impending legal action."

I grind my teeth together, realizing where this conversation is heading.

When Lilydale was set up, my father handpicked the board members and key players, including Arthur. But since Lilydale's mission statement was projected to be a mental health institution with my upcoming admission, of which was listed asindefinite/ongoing, they had to give me shares. If they wanted to use the trust funds for my admission, it had to be paid for so to speak—an eye for an eye.

Initially, I was the majority shareholder. It didn't matter much at the time—while I am here and deemed mentally unfit to make decisions, I cannot be involved. But I realize now I was set up.

If there's one thing my father loves more than money, it's power. He hated that I held fifty-one percent to his forty-nine thanks to the trust.

But that all changed.

Avery changed that.

The night I bargained with my father to bring her back, to keep her out of federal prison, he only asked for one thing.

Two percent of shares.

He even had Christopher sign off on a legal document stating that I was in a brief lucid state of mind, and capable of temporarily making decisions.

I gave him the position of majority shareholder for Avery's safe return. It's the reason he can bring this request to the court without my permission now. And since it's obvious he's bribed his judicial buddy, the trust fund is finally going to be cracked wide open—just what he's always wanted.

And there's very little I can do to stop him.

"Best of luck with it," I shoot back. "Even if you manage to access the money, I'll make sure those miserable doctors never touch a patient again."

My father smiles at me—his eyes cold and dead. "We'll see. The board has just finished negotiations with them. As your legal guardian, I've given them permission toattempt to fix your disorderif they see fit.They seemed eager, given your history."

"Oh, Father," I sigh. "I lived with you for nearly two decades. There's nothing they can do to torture me that you haven't already done."

His jaw ticks with unspoken anger. I look at the clock on the wall, rising to my feet. Turning to look at Arthur, I smile warmly. "As for you—I promise to makeyourlife a living hell. The two of you might have money and friends in high places, but what you lack is guts. If your sagging, wrinkly balls weren't dangling around your knees, I'd assume you had none."

"Those are big words coming from someone locked up," Arthur taunts. "Your secret little society can only withstand so much. Eventually, you'll run out of options."

"Try me and see," I dare, smirking at him as I make my way toward the door, stepping on the paperwork without a care. "But you better hope you don't miss with your aim because I'm coming for both of you."

Chapter 26

Avery

Is it possible for someone to change their entire personality in a short amount of time?

Of course, it is. Most of the time it's related to your mood. Even the slightest thing can upheave your state of mind.

But it's still strange to see that somehow in the span of forty-five minutes, Damon's mood entirely flipped.

In Dr. Smith's office he was sarcastic, witty, and warm toward me. But now? It feels like I've gone back in time, and it is day one in Lilydale all over again.

The moment my session ended and I bounced out of the office, Damon's face was cold. He barely spoke two words to me, just gesturing for me to hurry up behind him.

Even when he bothers to look at me, which has been all of three times since then, he's angry.

Grey is nowhere to be seen and with Theo stuck in solitary confinement, I'm left alone with Damon at lunch.

He eats his food silently, only humming in reply any time I try to speak to him.

Is it me? Did I do something?

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