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This—me as her controller—is mercy Jaxson Price would destroy her identity Cyrus Reed would ruin her financially, reputationally, and mentally My other friends and clients? They’d just not bother with the effort and kill her outright

If she had to pick a ruthless bastard to piss off, she’s lucky it’sher life Not my style

See, Dad Take notes: Some of us have scruples

That doesn’ta heavy dose of fear into her life

I stand froainst the floor

Another five rand at this point A drop in the water when you consider the twenty-two-million-dollar pot But if this continues, she’ll be bankrupt before she turns twenty-fucking-two

I a her day and possibly her life First, she needs to know the money she has happily spent all these years is blood money

Would she even care?

I exit e strides

Another minute

Another two grand out the door

I continue until I’ainst it

One, this is my house I don’t need to knock to enter my room

Two, she was supposed to be in o

Three, I don’t owe her a da

I fling the door open

As soon as I do, a screah the air My eyes i inventory of potential threats

Windows, empty

Vents, intact

The a my lips tip up when I realize I’m the threat

Payton is standing in the middle of the room

Right in front of me

Mouth open

Eyes wide

Then I look down and see why she is screa

Her brown locks are pitch-black now The strands cling to her skin

Her hair is wet