Page 270 of Unravelling The Beast

My eyes flick to her, but she just stares at me expressionless before I lean forward and calmly place my hands on the table.

“I don't think either of you are in a position to tell me what to do after hearing this.”

She sighs before resting back in her chair.

“You won't last five minutes.”

I raise an eyebrow as I speak firmly.

“Train me.”

Her eyes dart to Jasper, and I see from the corner of my eye that he is rubbing his palm over his mouth, reluctant to accept my suggestion. When her eyes swiftly return to mine, she raises an eyebrow in return and leans forward.

“We have an Elite meeting in two weeks, and you are welcome to attend to see for yourself how much you will not fit in.”

I purse my lips together before looking away, feeling irritated by her tone, and I hear her get up and leave. When it's just me and Jasper, I glance at him, and he is just staring at me.

“What?”

He leans forward, resting his arm on the table, and looks me dead in the eyes.

“Are you certain you want to go through with this? You have no understanding of what it's like, and I don't want to see you hurt because you're vengeful and unable to think rationally.”

I raise my chin in defiance and respond calmly.

“This is exactly what I want to do.”

He sighs and gives a small nod before standing.

“I'll be in touch; if you need me, just call me.”

I just stare as he walks away, and I find myself all alone again. Perhaps he is right; maybe I am vengeful, but who wouldn't be? I want to know everything about his life. I want to know exactly who Arlo Hayes was to the outside world, as well as what everyone is doing to bring punishment to the surface.

It’s been two weeks since Arlo’s burial and it’s the first time I will be stepping into his world. After I've done my hair and makeup, I stand in front of the mirror and scan myself with my eyes. I delicately grasp Arlo's suit jacket off the chair in front of me and slide it onto my body.

To make it look appealing, I roll up the sleeves before embracing it around my body and fastening a black Gucci belt around my waist.

Knowing he will be with me the entire time at this Elite meeting gives me confidence.

I stroll over to the wardrobe and tiptoe before reaching out for the top shelf, feeling for my pistol. When I have it in my hands, I slide it into the back of my trousers and then adjust myself again. I glance at myself one more time in the mirror before exiting the bedroom.

When I descend the stairs, I notice Jasper and Carmella at the front door, waiting for me. I confidently raise my chin and pass by them on the way out the door.

The drive here was silent, but we've arrived and are making our way to the top floor of the towering building. I'm not nervous as I follow behind them; perhaps my pain and coldness have impacted me more than I thought possible.

When we finally reach a double door, Carmella pushes through it first, and I follow behind them until we're in an enormous meeting room full of seated men who all stare at us.

As we pass them all, I remain confident, and Carmella takes a seat at the head of the table with Jasper while I take a seat to the left of Jasper and another man alongside me.

When Carmella is settled, she glances around at all of the suited men before speaking.

“Gentlemen, thank you for coming here today. Of course, this is an unusual circumstance from our normal meetings.”

“What the fuck is going on, Carmella? What happens now that Arlo is dead?”

When the Elites start asking questions, I just stare ahead in a daze as I listen in.

“Me and Arlo's half-brother Jasper will be taking over the business.”

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