Page 71 of Down Knot Out
The metallic scent of fear seeps from Wells. “These are complex legal matters?—”
“And yet simple enough to understand.” I lean forward, my palm pressed flat on the tabletop. “You’re trying to manipulate me into surrendering my claim to the Sinclair fortune for a fraction of its worth.”
Gregory’s fingers form a steeple beneath his chin. “You seem to think you have leverage.”
“I know I do.”
His lip curls. “You’re exactly like your mother.”
“No,” I correct him. “I am nothing like her. And clearly nothing like you, either. If you had just left me alone to be happy, you would not be facing this… What did you call it?Issue.”
I tuck the folder under my arm to keep as proof and grab my purse from the table. “This conversation is over.”
Wells clears his throat, his fingers nervously straightening his tie. “Ms. Richardson, before you make a hasty decision, there are realities you should consider.”
He withdraws another document from his stack of papers, this one bearing official seals and signatures. “DNA results can be altered. Testimony can be purchased. With your current financial situation, any case you might bring would be dismissed as a revenge tactic by an illegitimate affair baby trying to cash in.”
My stomach twists at the casual cruelty, at how quickly they shift from welcoming me back to threatening destruction.
“You’ve built a modest name as an author,” Wells continues. “It would be unfortunate if that career were derailed by lengthy, public legal battles that exposed your complicated origins.”
The implied threat hangs in the air. Cooperateor be destroyed. Submit or be crushed beneath the Sinclair machine.
Dominic’s hand settles on the small of my back, the contact a reminder that I’m not facing this alone. “Are you threatening her?”
“Not at all.” Wells adjusts his glasses with practiced innocence. “Simply outlining potential consequences.”
“We’re done here.” Dominic directs me toward the door. “Any further communication will go through our lawyer.”
“Your lawyer?” Gregory’s eyebrow lifts. “Don’t be dramatic, Mr. Sterling. This is a family matter.”
“Exactly.” Dominic smiles, all teeth and no warmth. “And Chloe’s family is waiting for her at home.”
“Chloe.” Gregory’s voice softens in an attempt at fatherly concern that comes twenty-six years too late. “Don’t make a decision you’ll regret. The Santaro pack won’t stop pursuing you. This offer protects you from them.”
“I don’t need your protection.” My back straightens, shoulders squaring. “I have a pack.”
Simon half-rises from his chair, desperation etched into the lines of his face. “You can’t mean those Alphas. They’re using you! I’m the one who’s been watching over you?—”
“That’s enough, Mr. Sullivan.” Wells cuts him off with a sharp gesture.
We head for the door, Dominic’s hand steady at the base of my spine. With each step, my tension loosens, and my breath flows a little freer.
“Wait.” Gregory’s command stops us at the threshold. “Reconsider. It’s only one child, Chloe. Afterward, you’d be set up for life.” His voice drops, calculated to wound. “Providing you didn’t inherit your mother’s spending habits.”
The barb misses its mark. I don’t turn, don’t acknowledge the desperate ploy. Instead, I take another step forward, then another, Dominic matching his pace to mine.
The heavy conference room door swings shut behind us with a definitive click, sealing Gregory and his schemes on the other side.
I exhale a shaky breath that carries the tension of the last hour. My knees tremble, threatening to buckle now that the confrontation is over.
“Don’t falter now.” Dominic’s whisper brushes my ear. “We still need to get out of this place before they think to have security check your purse.”
My fingers tighten around the slender straps.
My heart races the entire walk down the hallway, where the Beta receptionist observes our approach with a neutral expression.
“Thank you for coming,” she recites as we pass her desk.
