Page 20 of No Way Forward

“Then don’t treat me like it, Daddy. I’m serious. What do you think I’m going to say when you tell me you know better than I do about what’s best for me? You think I’ll lie down and take it? Maybe you should have adopted some weak-willed idiot with no brain cells to put together a thought.”

He ground his teeth. “I don’t appreciate your disrespect.”

“And I don’t mean to disrespect you, sir. I try as hard as I can to get along with you. I try to honor your wishes.”

“Then—” He stopped speaking.

“Then what?”

“Nothing.”

She had a feeling she knew what he was about to say. He hadn’t given up his plan to marry her off. Then again, maybe he did. Maybe this argument was about him wanting to cut her off or reverse the adoption. Was that even possible?

It made sense. The ungrateful adopted girl runs off, defying all th

e generosity showered on her. Knowing her dad, her actions embarrassed him. He wouldn’t want anyone to dwell on the fact that his daughter defied him. The best way to rectify that was to get rid of her.

For a split second, she wondered if her dad had set up the kidnapping. Then she dismissed the absurd idea. He was conniving but not vindictive against her. No, he wouldn’t have orchestrated the kidnapping.

Regardless of her internal assertion, an elaborate plot started to form in her mind. Locate runaway daughter, affect tearful reunion, get her kidnapped, and eventually—killed. Problem solved.

Her throat dried.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

This was the man who went through all kinds of crazy drama as she grew up. He didn’t write her off then. He wouldn’t write her off now.

“Novette, are you listening?”

She stirred from her dark imaginings. “Sorry, what did you say, Daddy?”

“I want us to enjoy ourselves together tonight, as a family. You and me. We’ve had our differences, but I know we can agree. If I say I want you to be happy and free tonight and have a good time, you’ll do that, won’t you?”

His plea surprised her. “Yes, I can. I will.”

“Good. You’ll dance and mingle, and get to know everyone.”

She smiled. “You’ve got a deal. That’s a reasonable plan.”

“Good. I knew I could count on my little girl.” He kissed her cheek and left the room. One of the maids came back in to finish helping Novette get ready. She wondered where Azalie had wandered off to, but it wasn’t unusual for Azalie to do her own thing.

“Ms. Novette,” the maid said.

Novette looked into the mirror at the maid’s reflection. “Yes?”

“I think Ms. Azalie is doing something she should be ashamed of.”

Novette’s mouth went dry. “What do you mean?”

“I saw her go into your father’s office, and she didn’t come out for a long time. When she did, she looked around like she was making sure no one saw her. And I’ve seen her go in many times before.”

Chapter 10

Novette raised her glass to her lips and pretended to take a sip. The champagne was delicious of course. Her dad never skimped on any part of his parties, but her mind was elsewhere at the moment.

Across the ballroom, her dad stood with Azalie clinging to his arm and laughing up at him. Her eyes sparkled and with each of her movements, her boobs bounced like they wanted to escape the skimpy dress she wore. Richard didn’t appear to be taking advantage of the view, but then they were so far away, Novette couldn’t be sure.

Anger stirred in her as she watched them. Azalie had started teasing and flirting with Richard the second he entered the room that night. She walked around with him as he chatted with his guests as if she were his daughter.

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