ammed on the brakes. The car jerked to a halt in the wide, c

opped. Her feet hit the gravel. In one fluid, practiced motion, s

nto the passenger seat. She smoothed down the front of the conservati

r head. To go from a raging force of nature back to a d

grass. Before she even reached the heavy front doors, the sound of shou

de on silent hinges. She walked straight down

yes swept the room, taking in the ph

r. His face was the color of ash. His right hand was clutching his

of his hands were planted flat on the wood. He was shouting, pointin

as wearing a ridiculous haute couture dress, her arms cros

n. Jalynn's ex-boyfriend. The man who had stolen

d physically heat up. A muscle in her jaw ticked. She force

own hard against the hardwood floor. The shar

ur heads snapped t

lain tweed suit. "Look who decided to show up. Did you

he air around her felt freezing cold. She walked straight past Bia

side, Jalynn. The adults are discussing the sur

p to the desk. She reached out and grabbed the th

predatory. They were designed to strip her father of everything. A shor

h hands. Her knuckles turned white. She flexed her

A loud, violent tearing sound ripped through the quiet room. S

eck popped. "Are you insane?!" he roared. "That was the

trage. "Don't be stupid, Jalynn. Horton's cash f

the contract directly at Gideon's chest. The heavy pap

nn said. Her voice was calm, steady, and loud. "Our ca

hallucinating? Where are you going to find ten

d her vintage purse. She reached inside and pu

nto the mahogany desk. The heavy seal of

. His eyes scanned the text. When his gaze hit the line for the sp

ck's face instantly drained of all color. He loo

up. A cold, razor-sharp

kins," Jalynn said. The wor

e and get out of my house, Gideon. Unless you want the Atkins f

terrifying power of the Atkins conglomerate. He dropped the paper back

ut of the room. Chuck and Bianca practically ran

slammed shut