Page 32 of The Darkest Knight

I don’t respond. I just turn and leave, because there’s no time to dwell on whatever apology might be buried in his tone. I’m too focused on fixing this, on keeping my mind from spiraling back to my mom.

Jumping into a taxi, I cradle the signed addendum like it’s the most valuable thing in the world.

“SEC Regional Office, please,” I tell the driver. Jett’s pushing his legal team to expedite this. I know he's anxious to make sure his father doesn't catch wind of the situation. In that respect, I understand his restlessness. But I won’t forget or forgive his anger towards me, even if he doesn’t know that my mom’s lying in a hospital bed right now.

The building looms tall and glassy, intimidating even to someone who spends most days in corporate boardrooms. I hurry inside, deliver the document, and confirm everything’s in order. It’ll take 48 hours, but Jett’s pushing his legal team to keep the process moving.

As I step back into the cold air, I finally let out a long breath. I’ve done everything I can.

The day’s slipped by in a blur of phone calls, paperwork, and unrelenting focus. I glance at my phone. It’s six o’clock.

Shock ripples through me. I haven’t eaten. I’ve had no breakfast, no lunch. My stomach feels hollow, my body running on fumes. Come to think of it, I haven’t brushed my teeth or showered today, either.

I pull out my phone and dial Jett to give him an update, but his line’s busy, so I leave a message instead:

It’s done. The addendum’s been delivered, and everything’s on track. I’ll update you when I hear back.

Then I sit back in the cab and breathe. For the first time today, I allow myself to think of my mom. I should go home—shower, change, eat—before heading back to the hospital.

But my phone rings.

It’s Aunt Scarlett.

I answer immediately, smiling because I expect her to tell that Mom’s ready to come home. Instead, her voice breaks through the line—choked, frantic, and full of sobs.

“Cari, come!” she cries. “Come now!”

The air gets sucked from my lungs. My heart shatters into pieces so small they’re impossible to hold onto.

I ask the cab driver to take me to Mount Sinai Hospital, but my voice is barely a whisper.

I stare out the window as the city flashes past—blurred lights and movement I can’t focus on. A sinking feeling anchors itself deep in my chest, heavier than anything I’ve ever felt.

This is it.

I have a sinking feeling that this will be the last time I see my mom.

Chapter 17

JETT

It’s been an hour since Cari called.

She told me everything’s sorted, and just like that, the weight pressing on my chest lifted. That girl is amazing—too good for me. And I was a complete bastard to her.

I lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling as the weight of my actions settle over me like a lead blanket.

The day has been relentless, but a call from the CEO of Vanhelm cuts through the haze.

"Jett," he says, his tone lighter than before. "I appreciate your swift action. Getting that addendum submitted so quickly shows real dedication. You've proven you're the kind of partner we value."

Relief floods through me, untangling some of the knots in my chest. "Thank you. I won't let you down."

"We’re looking forward to working with Knight. Let’s get everything finalized, " he adds before the call ends.

I should feel triumphant. Vindicated. But all I can think about is Cari and how I lashed out at her.

I don’t feel good.

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