Page 36 of Brutal Reign
“Are you sure he won’t have a legal claim to the money once we’re married?”
“Absolutely,” he says with complete conviction.
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. I trust Uncle Chen implicitly, but the whole situation makes me nervous.
“You’re like one of my own daughters. I’ll always take care of you, same as I did when you were eight years old and crying at your mother’s funeral. Remember what I told you then?”
I close my eyes, letting the memory wash over me. “That sometimes we have to be brave, even when we’re scared.”
“Exactly. I’ve been protecting the King family for forty years, Hope. I’m not going to fail you now.”
My shoulders drop an inch. “I know. And I appreciate everything you’re doing, more than I could ever tell you.”
“Of course. Now tell me, how is that sweet boy of yours? He looked so grown up in that last picture you sent.”
Despite everything, I can’t help but smile. Uncle Chen has never met Kin in person; Simon can’t know I’m incontact with my father’s lawyer, as it would raise too many dangerous questions. But it’s been a blessing to have someone who genuinely cares about my son, someone I can share his milestones with.
“He’s wonderful. Growing like a weed. I even taught him how to ride a bike yesterday. Simon would have a meltdown if he realized Kin was riding all over the penthouse.”
“What a boy. He sounds like an angel. I can’t wait to meet him one day.”
“I’d love that.”
“I know, sweetheart, and that’s exactly why I’m going to move heaven and earth to resolve this as quickly as possible. You have my word.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “I know you will.”
“You focus on staying safe and keeping Kin close,” he says firmly. “You’re stronger than you realize, Hope. You have your father’s determination and your mother’s grace.”
My free hand instinctively finds the small jade pendant resting against my collarbone. It’s my mother’s necklace, the one precious thing of hers I managed to keep. I press it gently between my fingers, drawing strength from the connection to her memory.
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
HOPE
I collapseagainst my bedroom door the moment it closes, finally letting the mask I’ve worn all night slip away. Three hours of smiling at Simon’s criminal associates, accepting their congratulations on our upcoming marriage as if it were something to celebrate instead of my personal apocalypse.
I need to get out of this dress, out of these heels, out of my own skin, if possible. The elaborate diamond necklace Simon insisted I wear feels like a chain around my throat, even though it’s far too light to be real. My hands fumble at the clasp, and when it finally falls into my palm, I study the necklace under better light. The “diamonds” are cloudy, lacking brilliance.
It’s fake. A beautiful costume piece, but nowhere near the worth of the real thing.
All of the jewelry he’s given me is fake. Maybe he thinks I’ll pawn it to fund an escape. I couldn’t anyway; I can’t leave the penthouse without a guard.
Money couldn’t be an issue, could it? Simon controls my father’s empire, worth billions in assets and holdings. He mightnot have access to everything, but even a fraction would be more than enough.
But I’ve noticed other things lately. He used to have a fleet of luxury cars; now there are only three. The private jet was quietly sold months ago. Our household staff has been halved over the past year. Even the wine collection has dwindled.
However he’s using the money, I don’t care. I do my best to stay out of triad business. The less I know about whatever schemes he’s planning, the better. Insulating myself from his world is the only way I can sleep at night.
But lately, even that’s not enough.
My twenty-fifth birthday is tomorrow. The day I was supposed to get my inheritance and vanish forever. Instead, the money remains tied up in bureaucratic complications. Uncle Chen is pulling every string he can, but I’m starting to face the terrible possibility that I might have to walk down the aisle.
I lie back, massaging my aching feet, trying to work out the pain from hours in heels, when my bedroom door opens without warning.
Simon steps inside my room, still in his tuxedo from the night’s event. His bow tie hangs loose, his usually perfect hair is mussed, and his eyes hold a slightly unsteady gleam that puts me on alert.
