Page 99 of Vicious Heir

“Do you realize what’s been going on? Do you have any idea what nearly happened to me?”

She waves a hand in the air. “I’m sure it was horrible, darling, but you don’t get it. Nobody is returning my calls. I’ve lost all my restaurant reservations. My country club membership was abruptly discontinued. And they aren’t even a good country club! This has to stop, Lucille. I need you to discuss things with your husband. Put a stop to this madness, darling.”

I stare at her, unable to help the shiver of loathing that runs down my spine. But a sick part of me wants to obey. I’ve spent my whole life following her rules and scurrying around like an ant to make sure I do everything she says. It’s her voice still in my head, and I’ve only just started to get rid of it.

“No,” I whisper, very quietly.

She frowns and leans closer. “What was that?”

“No.” I speak louder, standing up straight. “No, I won’t talk to him.”

“I know you perhaps think you couldn’t influence a man like that. And I agree, you can be somewhat too soft?—”

“No, Grandmother, you don’t understand. Icouldtalk to him, but I won’t. Adriano’s business is his own. If he thinks this is the right way to handle the situation, then I won’t get in the way.”

Her lips twitch. Her eyelids spasm. I don’t think I’ve ever said no to her like this before in my entire life, and it feels kind of awesome.

But also terrifying as hell.

“You must not understand me.” Her tone is ice cold now. Her eyes narrow as she stands. “Your husband is causing trouble, and it will not end well for him. Speak to him and make him stop. I amnotasking.”

“And I’m not listening. Adriano’s business is his own. I’m not going to tell him to stop, not when he’s the only person that seems to care about my safety.”

“How dare you? You’re my only granddaughter.” She has the nerve to look offended. “I care deeply?—”

“You sold me to him. You did it purely because you needed money.”

“I did it because he can protect you from that monster Demir,” she hisses at me. “What, you didn’t know? He didn’t tell you? I promised you to Demir before I ever promised you to Adriano, thinking that the Turkish bastard would never come to collect. But then he did, and I realized giving you to someone even more powerful was the only way to keep you out of his hands. I saved you, girl!”

Laughter bubbles up from my guts. I can’t help myself. I stare at her, and suddenly I can see Grandmother for what she is: old, over her head, miserable, obsessed with status, and willing to do anything at all to make sure our family name continues. Also, she’s more than a little racist.

“What in the Lord’s name is so funny?” she asks, enraged now.

“You sold metwice!” I cackle at her, shaking my head. “And you think somehow doing it a second time makes up for the first? Grandmother, you’re insane.”

“Don’t you dare talk to me like that.”

“I’m not going to say a word to Adriano. If anything, I’m going to encourage it. Please don’t come back here anymore. You’re not welcome in this house.”

Her eyes widen. “How dare you?”

“Get out, Helena. I’m tired of you treating me like your lapdog. I don’t take orders from you anymore. I don’t care how many clubs kick you to the curb. I’m not interested in your rich lady problems anymore. Just get out.”

She clutches her purse against her chest, eyes wide with fury. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this before, and I love it. Though a part of me is worried her heart’s about to explode.

Assuming she’s got one. I’m not convinced.

“I knew marrying you to a man like that would corrupt you. I had just hoped that perhaps I instilled some decorum and manners in you, enough to counterbalance his peasant influence. But I suppose I was wrong. You always were a lost cause.”

“Thanks a bunch. It was a delightful visit.” I storm to the door and shove through it.

“I’m so disappointed in you!” she calls after me.

“Good,” I mutter to myself. “I’m disappointed too. Should’ve done that sooner.”

I stomp up the steps. Anger propels me toward Adriano’s study. He’s been locked in there all morning taking calls and making plans. I don’t even know why I’m going to him or what I want to say, but it’s like I need to wash the taste of Grandmother’s visit out of my mouth. I need to see someone who actually cares about me.

Adriano looks tired when I barge into his office. But instead of being annoyed that I’m interrupting him, his entire face brightens. Some of his exhaustion fades when he sits up.

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