Page 114 of Vow to Hate You

“Not yet,” Damian sighed, stress apparent in his voice. “Ash can’t track Jack anywhere. He went completely underground.”

“I’m sure the money he stole from our family accounts helped,” I muttered as I grabbed my purse.

“Ash locked down most of those to where he can’t touch them. But the business accounts and paperwork? That’s what’s going to hurt us—well, not you, since your name isn’t anywhere on them.”

The ball of anxiety weighing me down only grew. It had been more than a week, and neither Damian nor our parents had gotten close to finding Jack. Which needed to happen after we became aware of the shady business practices Christian and my dad had gotten involved in. Money laundering and other racketeering charges that could put them in prison. Damian was in trouble too, because he worked on some of those accounts without even knowing.

“I can’t believe what your dad did.” I paused. “I take it back—Icanbelieve that. He and my father will do anything for money.”

“Yeah, they will. Which is why I’m going to find this asshole. I already had my lawyer draw up the papers. Our parents leave us alone or they’ll owe us a lot of money.”

“You just have to find Jack.” The doubt was apparent in my voice, even if I tried to hide it.

“I’ll find him. But I’ll be working late with Ash and Rhyett. I can send a car if you want to come to the club.”

“I would, but I already made plans with Char.”

“Too bad. I’d love to spend the night with you tied on my desk again.”

I giggled as a rush of heat swirled in my stomach. “I don’t think you’d get much work done.”

“True. I guess it’s a good thing you aren’t here.”

“I could get used to this.” I exited the apartment, locking the door behind me. “It’s been nice. My dad hasn’t called me once. I know he’s still furious with me for not going with him.”

“Let him be mad. He’ll get over it. And if he doesn’t? Oh fucking well. I don’t care how this ends with Jack. We’re not going back, Talie. Not to a life where you’re unhappy.”

My pulse quickened. If we didn’t find Jack, then Damian might end up in prison. My phone went off, and I glanced at the screen to see Char had texted me. She was in a car downstairs, waiting for me. Putting my phone back to my ear, I hit the elevator button.

“I’m going to lose you in the elevator,” I told him. “I’ll see you at home later?”

“I won’t be too late. Call me if you need anything.”

The elevator doors opened, and I told him goodbye before stepping inside. Char had texted me again, wondering where I was. I frowned when I glanced at the time to check if I was running late, but I was early. Slipping my phone into my clutch, I smiled politely at the couple who entered a couple of floors down. I shifted in my black heels, already regretting wearingthem. But Char wanted to try a new restaurant, and it had a dress code.

My dark blue cocktail dress rested above my knee and fit my body perfectly. The back was completely open, with straps crisscrossing in the middle. While it was more modest than I used to wear when I was overseas, it was my style, and I’d been slowly filling my closet with outfits I loved instead of worrying what my father or people in his social circle thought.

The doors opened, my heels clicking on the marble floor as I strode across the lobby. The concierge looked up from his desk and gave me a warm smile when he recognized me.

“Good evening,” he greeted me. “The driver came in to tell me that your sister is waiting in the limo outside.”

A limo? What did Char have planned tonight? I thanked him before exiting the lobby, his greeting echoing in my ears.Mrs. Valentin.Legally, I still had my maiden name, but ever since being back home, most called me by my husband’s last name. To my surprise, it didn’t bother me. Because I wanted to be with him. To be his wife.

“Mrs. Valentin."

My eyes landed on the unfamiliar driver as he stood next to an open limo door. He gave me a small nod as I got closer. Tucking my clutch under my arm, I slipped into the limo.

“Hey, Char?—”

I snapped my mouth shut, ice flooding my veins when I saw who was sitting in the limo. It wasn’t my sister. Jack sat near the window partition, a vile smirk on his lips when he met my eyes. My heart thrashed in fear when I realized this was done on purpose. I flew toward the still open door, only to get shoved back onto the seat. I landed on my stomach, letting out a cry when my clutch was ripped out of my hold.

I straightened up, seeing Jack now holding my purse. My chest heaved as I slowly turned to face the person beside me.

“Hello, Natalia.” Percy shut the door, and a moment later, the limo pulled away from the curb.

Confusion slammed into me, mixing with my growing panic. Percy had business with Damian, so why was he here with Jack? I shrank away from him, eyeing the door handle next to me until Jack tsked from across the limo.

“The doors are locked. Don’t waste your energy,” he said as he set my purse beside him.

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