“Hi, Dr. Esmerelda,” he says, smooth as honey. “I’m just calling to let you know I’m still interested in Pawsome Hearts, and I’m prepared to make a counteroffer. Let me know if you’re interested.”
Bastard.
I’m seething as the message ends and clicks off. Before Dr. Ezzie has a chance to move, I grab the phone and start redialing.
He picks up almost immediately.
“Youasshole,” I snarl.
“Lena!” Dr. Ezzie hisses.
But Harry just chuckles, the oily sound sliding over my skin like marching spiders.
“Is that LeeLee?” He’s amused, like nothing I do will ever faze him.
Old, familiar horror creeps in.
I remember what it’s like, feeling trapped.
But I also remember I’mdonewith that. Brady might be right about Harry being relentless, but I can handle this.
I don’t need a hero to run him off.
“That’s no way to speak to an old friend,” he says.
“You’re no friend of mine.”
“I might be. Icouldbe. We both know you’re in over your head with this old property.”
“Bullshit.The deal’s off, Harry. Go home. You’re never getting your hands on this land.”
“Well, it’s not up to you, is it?” He sighs. “I’m trying to do this the simple way. So sad that you won’t let me be gracious. It would besoincredibly easy for me to facilitate a smooth transfer, considering I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve seen it all—especially those complicated properties wrapped up in all kinds of red tape.”
Red?
Oh, I’m seeing it right now.
“I knew it was you,” I bite off. “So, what, you think you can bully me into walking away because you bribe some shady inspectors? That isn’t happening. I’m not the same girl I used to be. And you arenevergoing to ruin this place.”
Not like you tried to ruin me.
He didn’t succeed then either.
But that soulless goblin man just laughs.
“Oh, Lena.” He’s almost singing. I never knew I could hate any human being this much. “You really should have taken my initial offer.” He pauses, and I’m on the verge of slamming the phone down when he adds, “If it wasn’t for your dearest fiancé, you wouldn’t be in this mess. Tragic that his money can’t buy everything.”
My mind blanks.
Thisis white noise. Static. The anger washes out in a flood, chased away by a coldness that feels like biting fear.
“What are you talking about?”
“There she is. Finally listening, huh?”
“Harry, I swear—”
“Old problems have an annoying way of resurfacing. Particularly when they’re on video. They say the internet is forever, and they aren’t wrong.” He chuckles, and that chill spreads down my spine, paralyzing me.
