Page 15 of Torment

“One hundred and thirteen.”

Scarlet cocked a brow. “What?”

James met her eyes. “We have saved one hundred and thirteen girls, out of which eleven committed suicide, but the rest we were able to be rehabilitated. One hundred and two girls are out there living normal lives because of what we do here.”

Scarlet swallowed, and Hunter turned to look at her. The expression on his face told her exactly what he was thinking.Poor woman. What is life planning on tossing at her next? How will she deal with all this shit?

Fuck. She would not wither like a damn flower in front of everyone just because life saw her as its goddamn punching bag.

She cleared her throat. “Okay, so let’s talk about Brent. What do you know about him?”

Hunter straightened, and when he rolled his shoulders, balling his fists at his side, she knew he was fighting to keep control over his rage.

“We know that Brent is looking for you,” James answered.

She scoffed. “No shit.”

“We know that he wants you dead.”

“And he’s been wanting me dead for the last seven years.”

James got up from his chair. “Because of your grandmother’s inheritance.”

“Well, see. That’s what I thought all these years too. Until Sherlock Holmes here,” she pointed to Hunter, “discovered Brent actually inherited everything six months ago. Yet the SOB still wants me dead. Evidently.”

James crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Brent didn’t inherit everything.”

Hunter jerked his head toward James. “Say what?”

“Brent only has power of attorney over your grandmother’s estate. He didn’t inherit it.”

Scarlet glanced from Hunter to James. “What are you saying?”

“Scarlet,” James started. “Brent didn’t inherit everything. You did.”

“Jesus.” Hunter pulled his hands through his hair. But Scarlet was unable to react. She was frozen to the spot.

James walked closer. “Because no one has heard from you for the last seven years, not knowing where you are, Brent was given power of attorney. That’s why he wants to find you. The only way he gets it all is if you’re…dead.”

Just like that day at her mother’s funeral, her legs gave way beneath her. Before she collapsed, two arms wrapped around her waist, keeping her from falling like a pathetic piece of weakness.

“Scar, baby,” Hunter whispered as he pulled her tighter against him. “I’ve got you.”

Her head was spinning. This was just way too much information to process all at once—even for her.

“Okay, I think this is enough for now,” Hunter said. “I’m going to get her cleaned up. Give her some time.”

“Of course.” James walked to the door. “Riggs will take you to a bedroom, and I’ll arrange for some food to be sent to you.”

Scarlet was way too confused to say or do anything. She just let Hunter guide her out of James’s office without even protesting even a little. It felt like every ounce of strength had drained out of her within a nanosecond, leaving her empty and frail.

Before they could leave, James took her hand. “When you’re ready, I’ll be here.”

Scarlet locked her eyes on his. “You should have been here twenty-four years ago.”

Chapter 5

Hunter followed Riggs up the stairs while keeping his arm tightly around Scarlet. Even though this woman was as strong as fucking nails, the way she leaned into him, allowing him to support her, he knew she was about to crack wide open. And he didn’t blame her. After everything she had been through, it was a miracle she hadn’t gone crazy. And now with what James had just told her, Hunter was afraid it might just be the last push Scarlet needed to fall over the edge into nothing but darkness and despair.

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