Page 99 of Ravage

Sure, she'd scold me for being harsh, but it's a nice tribute. We can do it together, even beyond the grave. I love that she prepared for everything, like she knew this day would come.

She always knew what I needed before I did.

"Is everyone in place?" I ask, leaning against the wall next to them.

"Yep," Grey confirms. "Byrone and Jillian are watching the cameras and will text us. Everyone else is on standby, ready to go."

"Good."

The hour passes uneventfully, and when Avery emerges with a sneer plastered across her face, I resist the urge to go into Elsher's office and stab him in the throat.

Everything has to go according to plan today—even if that means leaving him in one piece…for now.

"God, he's a fucking asshole," Avery mumbles, stopping in front of us. She watches as Siobhan disappears around the corner before she relaxes, smiling at us.

"Want me to rip his intestines out of his ass?" Grey offers, only half-joking.

Avery laughs, the sound brightening my mood. She shakes her head. "Not at the moment. Too much mess."

A door closes to our left and we all look simultaneously as Christopher returns. He spots us still loitering in the hallway, pausing when he reaches our group.

"It's done," he says, holding the envelope out. "Happy Birthday."

"Wait," Avery gasps. "It's your birthday?"

I narrow my eyes at Christopher, who just laughs, continuing on his way like he doesn't care that he just dropped that bombshell.

"Fucking bastard," I mumble, turning to look at Avery.

She stares at me expectantly, until I finally cave, nodding once.

"Oh! Happy Birthday," she gushes, crashing into my chest.

We fall back into the wall, my arms wrapping around her as she squeezes me in a hug.

Grey cackles beside me, clearly amused by her enthusiasm. He knows how much I detest my birthday. I hate people making a big deal out of it. Except, if I'm being honest… I don't exactly hatethis.

When she pulls back, her eyes fall onto the envelope in my hand, brows furrowing with interest. "What's that?"

"Just paperwork," I tell her, handing it off to Grey.

He grabs it, peeking inside for me. I wait until he gives me a nod, confirming that everything is set.

My cell vibrates in my pocket, and I fetch it out, opening the text from Jillian.

"Arthur is on the move," I say, kicking off from the wall. "Let's go."

The bell for lunch is about to sound at any second, and if Arthur is leaving his office, I can only surmise that he's coming to the hall to make some type of announcement—he's too predictable.

We head into the hall just as the bell goes, taking a seat at our table. My eyes stay glued to the door, watching as other patients file in, until I spot Arthur and his group of guards at the rear, carrying his portable podium.

Instantly, he glances over to our table, locking eyes with me. A smug smirk crosses his face, his back turning away as he directs the guards to set up.

"What do you think it is?" Avery asks.

None of us answer, the room falling silent as everyone watches the center of the room.

I know exactly what's coming—some pathetic excuse to gain sympathy and pretend today is a celebration.

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