Page 74 of Billionaire Corruption

“The McKinney family is one of the best in the city!” my father said, his voice rising.

“I wouldn’t say the best, not really. You really think your work at the firm has come close to what the McKinneys have been doing on the streets? Uncle Rich and his goons, working extortion rackets and protection rings?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” My father was spluttering with rage.

“And he’s been helping you out too, with various loans over the years. Does mother know how much you owe him?”

“How do you know this?” my father whispered, shocked.

“I… I… didn’t tell anyone.”

“No, you may not have. But Uncle Rich was not that discreet.”

My father was blinking fast, his eyes seeming unable to focus. I could see the confusion on his face.

“That’s not the point though, I’m leaving Ladden, and I think you have to stop your connection to the company. Dissolve your partnership. That would be best.”

“But… but…”

“Unless you want the FBI coming around, digging in your accounts.”

I got up, getting ready to leave.

“I’m done with all this, Father. I intend on leaving the city and starting a different life somewhere else.”

“But the McKinney legacy…” his voice sounded almost whiny.

“What legacy?” I said contemptuously. “I’m tired of hearing about it, I’ve been listening to this nonsense all my life. I want to live my own life and be happy. Nobody is going to stop me.”

My father exhaled and nodded.

“I understand. I’m sorry it came to this. But what about Brock? I don’t think he will be able to just let you go?”

I grimaced. “Leave Brock to me,” I said.

Chapter 29

Grace

It was freezing the day I left my mother’s house. Dressed in a coat, with the hood up and mittens, she came to give a hug before Tyler drove me to the bus station.

“Thanks so much for coming, honey,” her eyes filled with tears. “I really loved having you here.” Behind her the twins were running around, causing havoc. All of us ignored them.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so hard on you,” I said. “I guess I needed to do some growing up of my own.”

My mom pulled me into a hard hug.

“Look after yourself now, let me know your next move.”

I had told her the night before that I was leaving, but not where I was going. I was keeping that information close to my heart. I needed it to be, not so much a secret, as something special, not to be shared with anyone. I had spoken to my grandmother and asked her if she thought I could take some time off, be by myself for a bit.

“Why?” she asked, and I could hear the concern in her voice.

It was hard to explain to her that I had spent my entire life up till this point, worrying about the family, looking after Toby, and making sure everything was all right at the house. But Toby was doing okay now, he was almost finished with high school and could look after himself. I needed some time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, not what others wanted me to do, but what was best for me.

Paul had texted me when he got back to the city, and I was glad to hear that he had a plan. Every now and then, I would think of Alana, with her feisty attitude and her fabulous hair style, and I’d think of her last words to me. In a way, I felt like I was taking a baton from her. This is what she wanted to do but was unable to. I would take her intention to get out and live her life, I would do it for her and for myself.

I knew it was the right decision.

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