So, I turned on the TV in the room, lowered the volume, and tuned in to the news.
The headlines were everywhere.
Ravencrest Global CEO Exposes Corporate Conspiracy
Luna Selene Ashworth Revealed as Fated Mate to Rival Alpha
Five-Year Conspiracy to Overthrow Ravencrest Leadership Uncovered
I scrolled through news channels, piecing together what had happened in that boardroom. Dimitri had played a recording,evidence of Selene and Ethan’s conspiracy. He’d exposed their affair, their plans to steal the company, their plot to eliminate me and Adele.
He’d destroyed them both with a single move.
But it wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough.
Because Selene had escaped. Because Ethan was still out there. Because my daughter still woke up screaming in the middle of the night, terrified of water, terrified of strangers, terrified of everything.
They’d done that to her. And a corporate scandal, a ruined reputation, it wasn’t enough payment for what they’d taken from my baby.
I wanted blood.
Finally, the door to Adele’s room opened quietly. Dimitri returned, looking exhausted but alert. He scanned the room, and when his gaze landed on me, he opened the door quietly and slipped in.
“How is she?” he asked softly, moving toward the bed.
“Better today. She ate some soup…watched a movie without falling asleep halfway through.” I stepped back from the bed so we could talk without waking her. Dimitri leaned over to kiss Adele’s forehead before following me out into the hallway.
“When did you get back?” I asked.
“A few minutes ago. Just did a routine check around the house to make sure security’s intact.” He pulled me into a hug. I inhaled his familiar scent, immediately feeling the comfort and ease only he could offer. I snuggled into him, wrapping my hands tighter around him.
We stayed like that for a few moments until I pulled back, searching his eyes. “How are you?” I asked softly.
“Tired. Angry.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Have you had lunch?”
I shook my head.
“Let’s eat together,” he suggested. “We do have things to talk about.”
“About the board meeting?”
“Among other things.”
We moved to the dining area downstairs. Some takeout sat on the table, filling the air with an inviting scent.
“I ordered some Chinese on my way back. I would have taken you out for a proper lunch, but…”
I smiled. “I understand. This is perfect.”
“For now. When this is all done, I’ll take you to the fanciest restaurant in Europe.”
“Europe, huh? I don’t think we’ve exhausted Virginia’s options yet.”
He smirked. “We will.”
I started unpacking the food for us while Dimitri went to the cellar to get some wine. By the time he returned, I’d dished up two plates of chicken fried rice, butter chicken, and vegetable noodles, the aromas mingling in the air, tempting even my simmering anger.
He set the wine down, uncorking it with ease, and poured two glasses.
