Page 20 of Seal My Fate

“The thing about my father is, he’s weak,” I say with a sigh. “Greedy. The Ashford reputation is everything to him, and I can see how all of this might have gotten out of control. If initial trials failed, and he tried to cover them up… Maybe he genuinely thought the human tests would be different, or maybe by then he’d already sunk too much into this one drug succeeding… I can imagine how easily the lies all mounted up.”

“But what about the attack on Wren?” Tessa reminds me quietly. “And Valerie’s death?”

I can’t imagine my father with blood on his hands. I just can’t.

“Maybe he isn’t alone in the fraud,” I wonder. “There are other investors with everything riding on this drug launch. Powerful people. With the connections to make bad things happen.”

“Like Cyrus Lancaster,” Tessa says, “Max’s father. He’s a big Ashford investor, isn’t he?”

“Yes,” I agree, chilled. “Hugh’s father, too. Lionel Ambrose has staked his political reputation on Ashford Pharma, it would ruin his chances if a scandal like this got out.”

Tessa gulps. “No big deal, then,” she says brightly. “Our suspect list just includes the most powerful men in the country.”

Powerful people who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

“Promise me you’ll be careful now?” I demand, taking hold of her shoulders. I look into her eyes, urgent. “I mean it, Tessa. Whoever these people are, they’re not fucking around. Billions of pounds are on the line. And compared to that…”

“We’re all expendable,” Tessa finishes, looking pale.

“It’s going to be alright,” I promise her, drawing her into my arms again. I hold her, fueled by a new sense of purpose. Of protection.

No matter what happens next, I won’t let anyone hurt her.

She’s mine, and I’m going to keep her safe. Whatever the price.

Chapter6

Tessa

“Are you sure that red SUV doesn’t look familiar?” Wren asks, peering out of the car window and fretting as the driver takes us across town to meet Phillip. “I thought I saw it, parked back near Saint’s place.”

I check. “It wasn’t there,” I reassure her.

“I’m certain,” Wren frowns. “It could be following us.”

“The license plate reads ‘MR BIG,’” I point out with a smile. “If they’re trying to stay inconspicuous… That car isn’t the way to do it.”

Wren sits back, anxiously toying with the fraying cuff on her oversized parka. Even though she’s still vibrating with tension, I can’t help but smile, just looking at her.

My sister, alive again.

She sees me looking. “What?”

“Nothing, just… Admiring your new look,” I say, teasing her over her disguise. “Very stylish. What is it, grunge chic? And the eyeliner, too. Bold.”

Wren gives me a small smile. “I was running for my life,” she points out, patting her ratty dyed hair. “I didn’t exactly have time to go to a salon.”

“No, I like it,” I smile. “I hear backcombing is in this season.”

“We can’t all be getting spa treatments, living the life of luxury,” she shoots back. “You’re the regular kept woman these days.”

“I am not!” I protest.

“Are too,” Wren smirks. “Nice digs, your future duke has. Rich, handsome… Tell me he’s got a small dick he’s overcompensating for, or it really will be unfair.”

I give her an airy grin. “A lady doesn’t kiss and tell. But I will say… Saint is gifted. In all departments.”

“Bitch,” Wren laughs.

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