508 Shadowed Allegiances

(Mia)

The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.

Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.

I stare out the window of Judy's luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus's people, promising me that everything will be fine. That they'll protect me. That I'm safe.

Safe.

I've just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass's old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.

No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That's what they don't realize. There is no escape from him. They'll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him. Gabriel's voice echoes down the hall, he's staying here with me.

I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he'd think about it. But now, he's locked everything down, called Mamá, Ana, and Eva back to the States, and is planning to put the company's future in some airtight contract.

Control. That's all he cares about. He doesn't trust me. Even when I've proven myself and given them what they needed to arrest my grandfather.

"Mia." Gabriel's voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to see him standing in the doorway.

"What?" I snap.

He crosses his arms, his gaze piercing. "Do you always have to throw a tantrum every time I say your name?" He comes into the room. "Don't flatter yourself," I shoot back. "I have better things to do than let you bother me."

transparent, Mia. You think I don't know about you and

"Judy mentored me. She trusted me to run things while she was in Europe. I know Brennan Industries better than

to hang yourself. Anyone can see that. And you're walking a fine line if you think following her playbook

a child," my voice rising. "You're not my father, Gabriel.

he says coldly. "But Mamá, Ana, and Eva will be here by the end of the week. We're going to sort out the

into my palms. He's always been like this. Overbearing, controlling, acting like he

get to have it all your way," I say steadily, the words dripping with venom. "I will have what I'm entitled to. You can't

closer, his expression softening just a

bitterly.

between us shifts. Gabriel's body tightens, and for

Mía. It's his way." "Maybe he's the only one who ever saw my potential," I fire back, standing up to face him. "Maybe

anything about me Gabriel. You never have You've spent your whole life trying to controtme, but you've never once tried to understand me.

says, turning toward the door. "Mamá will deal with you when

behind him, and I sit back into the chair. I don't need him. I don't need any of

a legitimate

prove to my mother, Gabriel, Ana and Eva that I'm not just the youngest, the least of us. I have a voice, and

favorite, you know. The others... they're too proud. Too stubborn. But you, Mía... you are like me.

seared deep in my brain for as long

should have said nothing, but I told him. I had to tell him. I replay the moment in my

of this anymore,

never

shone in his eyes now. "You

stop me? You think their

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255