Lord leaned in, his gaze landing on my face before breaking into a smile.

I didn't know what amused him, but I kept staring, determined to get an answer, my eyes practically declaring I wouldn't rest until I got one.

Finally, as his laughter subsided, he said, "Well, let me enlighten you before your curtain call. It's because he blocked someone's path to wealth." Instantly, my mind raced to the contract he was about to sign.

"Blocked someone's path to wealth, but not yours. So, why target my parents?" I pressed, puzzled anew.

Lord chuckled, "My dear girl, have you forgotten what I do for a living? What built my empire?"

I realized then, it was about money.

"Who was it?" I demanded urgently.

Lord didn't answer directly but instead posed a question, "Who do you think it could be?"

The death of my parents circled back to that contract, which ultimately ended up in Herschel's hands, so... it was him.

I had my suspicions before, but Lord had dismissed them, even claiming Herschel had earmarked the profits from that deal for me.

with his hints,

was you who told me..." My voice trailed

smiling, a smile that reminded me of his earlier words about being paid to solve problems for others. Lying or spinning tales was

it,

because you've been paid

"I knew

thunderbolt, and I shook

I'm about to reunite you with your parents?" Lord motioned for a cigar, which was promptly handed

puff, he blew out a smoke ring, "Given that you've caught my eye, and I don't entirely dislike you, let me

parents had it

came to Seabreeze City, struggling to make ends meet, hardly having time for you, which led to your

rascal almost engaged to you, Conrad, ended up

were about the same age, and he, being outgoing and

to his, and once

of your blood type,

you to Conrad. That way, you'd always be at his side,

my

it all boiled down to

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