He heard Gigi inhale. Her presence anchored him—kept him from driving his fist into Robert’s face and caving in what was left of it.
“You…you leave them out of this,” Robert hissed. “This is between you and me.”
At the spark of Robert’s old fire, Conrad was glad. He wanted a fight—a rematch now that he wasn’t easy pickings. His hands curled.
See how Robert enjoys being the weak one. The vulnerable one. See how he enjoys being powerless while I grind my boot into his neck.
“You treated my mama worse than a servant. You separated her and me. She died trying to find a way to fix what you broke.” Fury cleared his head and numbed him. “I will have justice, which means I will take from you what you took from me. I will treat your family like you treated mine. In other words, when I am duke, I will see to it that they have nothing.”
He towered over Robert, who shrank back in his chair.
“Please, sir.” The timorous plea came from Lady Anne, who had turned as white as her dress. “Whatever has happened in the past, this is a conversation best had in private?—”
“I’ve held my silence long enough,” Conrad snapped. “Unlike your papa, I have nothing to hide.”
When Lady Anne pressed a hand over her mouth, her mama took a step forward.
“There is nothing to be gained by airing dirty laundry in public, sir,” the duchess said. “Our family’s reputation affects you as well. Let us reconvene upstairs?—”
“I’ve said what I had to say. Except this.”
Conrad aimed his stare at Stockton, who looked like a cornered hare.
“Stockton, I am Robert’s heir. If you choose to marry Anne, know this: whatever Robert promised you is now void. When I control the duchy, she will have nothing from me.”
Lady Anne let out a soft whimper.
“I am sure what my husband means is that, um, renegotiations will be necessary.” The unwelcome interruption came from Gigi. “He will handle things differently than his predecessor, I am sure?—”
“When I say nothing, I mean nothing.”
At his growled words, Gigi stiffened but kept her polite smile in place.
“Darling, why don’t we discuss this in private?” she said.
He resented that she was siding with Lady Katerina, the wife of his enemy. Yet Lady Anne was openly weeping, her mama huddling next to her, and the pitiful sight gave Conrad pause. He was aware of the onlookers circling like sharks, eager for a taste of blood.
Maybe Gigi is right. I’ve gone in for the kill. I can finish this off elsewhere.
Before he could speak, Robert raised his hand. Conrad froze at the sight of the ring. Now loose on his brother’s bony finger, the circle of gold and its winking ruby ripped a scab from his soul.
How does it feel to be on your knees, Robert? This time, you will be the one kissing the ring. The one to say you’re sorry for existing.
Wheezing, Robert pointed a finger at him. “You…you are not fit to be the next Grantley.”
Rage flooded Conrad. “But I will be the duke. And when I am, your bloodline will pay for your sins.”
As Robert sputtered, Conrad turned to Gigi, who was gazing at him, wide-eyed.
“Let’s go,” he said tersely. “This family reunion is over.”
Grabbing her hand, he dragged her away.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Gigi found the emotion that filled the carriage foreboding, to say the least. As was the fact that Conrad had chosen to sit in the opposite corner, his mood dark and brooding. Even though the curtains were drawn, he was staring at the window. He hadn’t said a word since they left the ball, and she could bear the silence no longer.
“Do you want to talk about what happened?” she asked.
