Page 67 of Ruthless Villain

Eager to avoid my parents, I use the side entrance and rush along the corridor, where I can just hear the muted tones of the TV.

Mom is most likely in the living room watching a rerun ofThe Real Housewiveswhile she works on her plans for the week. She hates bringing work home but hates working in her bedroom even more.

Dad should be in his office or in bed. He likes to get a few early nights before heading out on the road with the team.

I don’t want either of my parents seeing me and stopping me to ask about my date. I don’t have the mental energy to lie and tell them I had a great time.

Being here in this house is proving to be more exhausting than I anticipated. I’m drained just thinking about the days to come. The best thing I can do for myself is head to bed and put tonight behind me.

I’m about to take the stairs behind the kitchen when I hear Dad’s voice. He’s inside the kitchen talking on the phone.

I try to hurry but when I hear him say Dr. Francis’ name I stop short on the first step.

Dr. Francis is my psychiatrist. We spoke briefly yesterday to arrange weekly Zoom appointments for my therapy sessions. I’m scheduled to have my first meeting with her next week. So why is she speaking to my father? And at this hour?

Paranoia squeezes my lungs at the thought of what they could be discussing.

They could be talking about anything, and the fact that my father can summon my doctor at this hour of the night shows the depth of his power and influence.

Carefully, I sneak up to the wall, hide in the archway, and listen in. The door is ajar, so I can see Dad walking around with the phone pressed to his ear.

“I’d like that faxed over by morning if possible. That way I have it when I speak to our lawyers,” Dad says, nodding. “Great, I’ll keep you updated and let you know once Autumn has been allocated a new doctor.”

New doctor?

Oh no.

How dare he? When Dad suggested this weeks ago, I told him I didn’t want anybody new, but now he’s gone above me.

He ends the call and stands by the counter, staring at the windows.

The vigilant part of me wants to err on the side of caution, but I’ve had enough. Before my next thought can take fruition, I step forward and push the door open. Dad turns to face me, surprise brightening his eyes.

“Hey, Autumn. I thought you’d still be out with Evan.” He gives me a warm smile, which diffuses when he takes in my hard expression.

“Is that why you thought you’d call Dr. Francis?”

He looks slightly thrown by my tone, but only slightly. “Actually, she was getting back to me with some information I requested from your records.”

“What information?” I’m so mad I have to speak slowly so I don’t start shouting. “I heard you mention a new doctor. Dad, I specifically told you I wanted to keep seeing Dr. Francis.”

I’ve never been this firm with him so he’s looking at me with mild surprise.

“Dr. Francis and I both agreed that it would be better for you to see someone here in person while you’re in New York. Zoom appointments are not the same.”

“You meanyouthought it was better. I spoke to her yesterday and she was fine with seeing me that way. Why would you do this without speaking to me first?” I know why but I want to hear him say it.

“This is the wayIwant to do things.”

“You have no right to do this.”

Dad’s brows snap together and he straightens, looking taller, stricter, meaner. “Autumn, don’t let me remind you that I have legal permission to handle your medical affairs. I am also your executor and more importantly your father, so I will dowhateverI believe is in your best interest.”

Like telling me to stay away from Luc and pushing Evan on me?

My mind is screaming at me to say that, but I tighten the reins on my anger when I think of how much trouble that would get me in.

“I don’t believe Dr. Francis is the best doctor for you while you’re here,” he continues after a beat.

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