Page 45 of Cruel Hero

“Details, Tiff. We want details,” Cassandra says with a devilish grin. “We thought you and Lucas were a thing, but apparently not.”

“I like Lucas. But he’s just a friend, nothing more.”

Olivia raises an eyebrow. “And the man you spent the weekend with?”

The heat rises to my cheeks. “His name is Adrien. Adrien Leroy.”

Their eyes widen in recognition. “TheAdrien Leroy? As in the CEO of Leroy Holdings?“ Olivia asks.

“It’s not a big deal. We met a few months ago, and it just sort of happened.”

Cassandra stifles a laugh. “And you didn’t think to mention this to us?”

“Wait, a few months ago?” My sister’s eyes narrow. “When did you meet?”

I shrug, a little defensive. “It was at a restaurant. We talked, and one thing led to another.”

“Well, well, well,” Cassandra says, waggling her eyebrows. “Looks like someone’s living the dream. Is that why you are followed by a bodyguard?”

My sister’s eyes lock above my shoulder, looking at Luis, who’s still hovering nearby. “Cass, do you mind giving us a minute?”

Cassandra gives an exaggerated sigh but complies. “But I want all the gossip,” she says, pointing a finger at me before leaving.

“What’s going on?” Olivia asks.

“I need to tell you something, Liv. Something I should have told you a long time ago.”

Olivia’s expression changes, concern, and confusion evident on her face. “Let’s go to my office.”

I follow her through the gallery, trying to keep my emotions in check. My mind is racing with all the things I want to say to her, but I know I need to start from the beginning.

Once we’re in her office, I take a seat on the couch while Olivia shuts the door behind us. She sits down across from me, waiting for me to speak.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I’m sorry for pushing you away and not telling you what’s been going on with me. I didn’t want to burden you with my problems.”

“Tiffany,” her voice is soft. “You could never burden me with anything. You’re my little sister, and I love you. You’re my little sister and I love you. Tell me what’s going on. Why do you look like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders?”

I take a deep breath before launching into my confession. I tell her everything—about my involvement with Adrien, about Carter Corporation, about the mess I’ve gotten myself into. And to my surprise, Olivia listens to everything without judgment, without anger. Instead, she takes it all in, her expression remaining neutral throughout my entire story.

When I’m finished, she sits there in silence for a few moments, processing everything I’ve just told her. I’m expecting her to tell me how stupid I’ve been, but instead, she just looks at me with sadness in her eyes.

“I know.” Tears start streaming down my face. “I’m so sorry, Liv. I was so angry after your engagement announcement. I felt like you were leaving me behind, moving on without me. I wanted to prove to myself that I could handle things on my own, that I didn’t need you to protect me anymore. But I was wrong. I’ve made so many mistakes, and now… now everything’s a mess.”

“It’s fine, love. I’m not angry at you, Tiff,” Olivia says, getting up from her seat and coming over to hug me. “I just wish you hadn’t felt like you had to carry this alone. And I’m sorry for leaving you out of my life lately. I didn’t mean to make you feel like I was moving on without you. You’re my sister, and nothing—not even Alexander or our family’s mess—will ever change that.”

I cling to her, burying my face in her shoulder as the tears come harder. “I’ve been so scared, Liv. Scared of losing you, scared of failing Carter Corporation. I don’t know what I’m doing half the time.”

Olivia pulls back, cupping my face in her hands. “You’re brilliant. You’re smart. You’ve me by your side. There’s nothing you can’t handle.”

I can’t help but smile through my tears, grateful for my sister’s unwavering support.

Maybe, just maybe, things will turn out okay.

Chapter 19

Adrien

The mahogany door of my office flies open with a bang. Diane storms in, her usually impeccable bob slightly askew, eyes blazing.

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