Page 100 of Destiny

“But it’s not the Steels, Dad. You heard Donny. They don’t even know what the Steel Trust is.”

“I don’t see how that matters, Brendan. We’re going to fight it. Tooth and nail.”

I rake my fingers through my hair. “Dad…”

“I expect you to be at that meeting tomorrow, Brendan.”

“Did you forget I—” I shake my head. I was about to say I have to work, except I took the week off. “Fine, I’ll be there.” I stalk out of the family room, walk upstairs, careful not to wake my mother, and sneak into my old room. My grandmother’s engagement ring is in my top dresser drawer in a velvet box. It’s an old-fashioned setting, an emerald cut diamond surrounded by four baguettes. I planned on taking it to a jeweler to have it reset in a more contemporary style, but as I gaze at it, I see that it fits Ava. Eclectic Ava. She’ll love it just as it is.

I slide it onto my pinky and then leave the back way, neglecting to say goodbye to my father.

I understand where he’s coming from. But I don’t believe the Steel family is behind the Steel Trust. At least not the Steel family I know. The trust could be old. These liens could have been put in place before any of the current Steels were born. In fact, they probably were.

Ava is the key to this mystery. She has to get the information out of Wendy Madigan before the woman up and croaks.

For good this time.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Ava

“You’re the key to my legacy,” Wendy says.

“I appreciate your confidence in me, Grandmother.”

The lie is bitter on my tongue, but it’s a sweet bitter. I will do what I must to get the answers I seek in order to end this, once and for all.

“I knew it was you. I knew it was you the day you were born.”

“Then will you be honest with me?”

“Once I know that you plan to use the truth to fulfill my legacy.”

“I’ve accepted that fate, Grandmother. I’ve accepted my destiny. I saw it in the tarot cards. I will do whatever you ask of me.”

“What does your father say?”

“He says you’re trying to manipulate me.”

“And you believe that, Ava?”

“I did at first.” I take off my bracelets, caress them gently, and then hold them up so my grandmother can see them. “But it was these bracelets that changed my mind. Somehow you knew they were meant for me. Plus, the cards, the numbers… It’s all been leading me to you, Grandmother.”

Wendy’s eyes flutter closed, and a look of pure serenity graces her wrinkled face.

“Finally…” she says on a sigh. “Finally I can go in peace.”

Oh, hell no. She’s not going in peace yet. Not before she gives me all the information I need.

“Grandmother, are you all right?”

Her eyes flutter open then. “Oh, yes, child. I’m just fine. I’m not going anywhere. Not yet, anyway.”

“Thank goodness. Just when I was getting to know you.”

“I’ve left many things for you, Ava. Some of them you’ll find here in your own house.”

“Here?”

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