Page 53 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

I still felt uncomfortable in his presence, but it didn’t matter. I had to work with him.

“Dad told me Ed would be best placed to help me with the business when we discussed it. I think he was right.”

I eyed my uncle out of the corner of my eye. His eyes lit up.

“Accepting you need help now, are you?”

I resisted the urge to curse him for his sarcastic tone.

“Unless you want me to call Frazier and tell him I’m happy to have Tristan here…”

He paled. His reaction piqued my curiosity. Did he hate Frazier and Tristan as much as I did?

“Ed will do just fine. Do you want me to speak to him?”

I shook my head. It was better coming from me. I hadn’t seen any of my extended family for a long while, but the world knew I’d returned to the public eye.

I refused any interviews. The police had given a statement regarding my reappearance yesterday after they’d got my official statement. Now, we had the paparazzi camped outside the building. I wasn’t sure how I’d get out of here without being snapped and followed. Aiden wasn’t coming to pick me up for that very reason. We still had to keep our relationship a secret.

“I’ll do it. Got to start somewhere.”

My uncle didn’t respond. I turned to him. He was staring at his phone, his expression dark.

“Is everything okay?”

He waved me away.

“Yes, yes. Go speak to your cousin.”

I wondered what he’d received. There was no point me trying to snoop. I could get Aiden to do that for me. The reminder of him caused my pulse to spike. He wasn’t going to be happy with me for not calling him straight away.

I walked out of my uncle’s office and left him to it. No point sticking around. I didn’t need his approval to appoint Ed but keeping him onside was more important in the long run. If I ran things by him before I did them, he’d think I trusted him.

Sitting back in my office chair, I tugged out my phone. Aiden had texted me again, but I decided not to look at them. Instead, I dialled my cousin’s number. He answered it on the fifth ring.

“Hello little cousin. Long-time no speak.”

“Hi Ed.”

“I’m sorry about your parents. Shitty business.”

“Thanks. It’s been difficult, but I’m back now. Trying to get things in order.”

My phone vibrated against my ear. More texts from Aiden no doubt.

“Of course, Dad told me you are at the office. I’m sure you’ll see him at some point.”

Troy worked on one of the lower floors. I was surprised he’d not popped up to see me, but I wasn’t particularly close to my dad’s cousins.

“I’m actually calling because I’d like to see you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, I want to discuss you coming to work with me. I can’t make a formal appointment until the company is signed over to me, but no harm lining things up.”

Ed was silent for a long moment.

“I can come to the office now if you’re free.”

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