I lean back in my leather chair, swirling the whiskey in my ss as I stare out at the city lights. twenty–seven years. That’s how long I’ve been waiting for this moment.


    Twenty–seven years since James Stone destroyed my family.


    The bastard thinks he got away with it. Thinks his money and connections could bury what he did to my brother’s constructionpany. Thinks no one would remember how he bribed the inspectors, how he falsified those safety reports that led to the copse.


    Twelve men died that day. Including my brother, David.


    James walked away with a government contract worth millions while my family lost everything overnight. My father drank himself to death within two years. My mother followed soon after, her heart giving out from the stress and grief.


    But I survived. I rebuilt. And I never forgot.


    The Stones never even acknowledged what they’d done. Never apologized. They continued living their little life while mine was destroyed. Well, not anymore.


    My phone buzzes on the desk. A text from Virginia: “He’s on his way to her.”


    I smile and set down my ss. Right on schedule.


    Another buzz. This time from John: “In position. Waiting for your signal.”


    Oh my nephew. David’s boy. He was only five when his father died in that copse, but he’s grown into a man who understands the value of justice.


    Of revenge.


    I dial his number. He answers on the first ring.


    “Aunt Morgan?”


    “It’s time. Make the call.”


    John goes quiet for a moment. Then: “What do you want me to say?”


    “Keep it simple. Birthday delivery that needs to be picked up in person. Make it sound legitimate. And John?”


    :.


    <Chapter 132


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    “Make sure shees alone.”


    425 Parts


    I hang up and pour myself another drink. The whiskey burns going down, but it’s nothingpared to the fire that’s been burning in my chest for over two decades.


    Virginia thinks this is about her pathetic love triangle. She thinks I’m her birth mother, helping her eliminatepetition for some man’s affections.


    How stupid.


    This is so much greater than her petty jealousy.


    James Stone has two daughters now. One biological, one adopted. Both precious to him in their own ways. But Scarlett? His connection with her is different. Not to mention, Scarlett was his first daughter. His favorite. The one he raised and loved and protected.


    Taking her away will destroy him the same way he destroyed my family.


    And Jasper? I have nothing against him.


    His sin is being the son of Adrian Winston.


    (John’s POV)


    I hang up the phone and stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Dark circles under my eyes, stubble I haven’t bothered to shave. I look like what I am–a man who’s lost his way.


    My aunt means well, I think. She loved my parents, grieved for them when they died. But this obsession with the Stone family has consumed her for twenty–seven years, and now it’s consuming me too.


    I don’t want to hurt an innocent woman. But Morgan’s been my only family since I was twelve years old. She raised me, put me through college, gave me a job in herpany. I owe her everything.


    Even my life.


    I get in my car and drive toward Scarlett’s bakery.


    I sit in my rental car across the street from Sunrise Bakes, watching the warm light spilling from the windows. Through the ss, I can see the celebration winding down.


    My phone buzzes with Morgan’s call, and I know it’s time. I dial the number I memorized earlier, watching through the window as Scarlett nces at her phone.


    < Chapter 132


    “Hello? Sunrise Bakes?” Her voice is warm, professional.


    “Hi, is this Scarlett Stone?”


    “Yes, this is Scarlett speaking. How can I help you?”


    I push the guilt down and focus on my script.


    $25 Points


    “I was at your birthday celebration earlier. Amazing soufflés, by the way. I wanted to leave you a special gift, but I didn’t want to interrupt the party. I left it with the delivery service down the street – Murphy’s Courier. They’re holding it for you.”


    “Oh, how thoughtful! You didn’t have to-


    “It’s nothing fancy, just something I thought you’d appreciate. But they close at nine, so <i>you’d </i>need to pick it up soon. It’s just a few blocks down on Maple Street.”


    “Murphy’s Courier on Maple Street?”


    “That’s right. They’ll need to see ID since it’s addressed specifically to you.”


    Through the window, I watch her nce at the clock on the wall. Eight–thirty.


    “I cane with you,” the man – Dorian – says loud enough for me to hear.


    “No, it’s fine,” she tells him. “You stay with Lily. I’ll be right back.”


    Perfect. Just like Morgan predicted.


    “Thank you so much for thinking of me,” Scarlett says into the phone. “I’ll head over now.”


    “You’re wee. Happy birthday.”


    I hang up and watch her gather her purse, kiss the little girl on the head, and whisper something to Dorian. He looks reluctant but nods.


    The guilt twists in my stomach again. Virginia might deserve whatever’sing – she’s maniptive, selfish, willing to hurt innocent people to get what she wants. But this woman? She’s just trying to live her life. Raise her daughter. Be happy.


    And her kid… Christ, her kid is going to grow up without a mother because of what I’m about to do.


    But it’s toote to back out now. Morgan’s already put everything in motion. I start my car and follow at a distance as she walks down the street.


    She has no idea what’sing for her.


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