Page 105 of Tailored for You

She stood up, crossed her arms over her chest, and took on a stance that screamed spoiled princess who always got her way.

“Did you think you would get away with it?” Serena asked when we were close enough. “Did you think you could take my daughter and what? Pretend to be her new mommy? When is it going to get through that thick skull of yours that you will never have what I have?”

“Again, with the dramatics.” Charles rolled his eyes. “What are you even doing here? Trying to ruin my vacation?”

I wasn’t sure if he was stupid or playing it. For Serena’s sake, I hoped he was just as stupid as he looked.

Serena’s gaze cut to Apple. “Do you think Harper would ever accept you? Would ever call you mom?” She leaned forward. “She hates you.”

My girl was out for blood, and I was ready for her to unleash.

“Do you think you can intimidate me using your new mafioso boyfriend? I would say it’s beneath you, but everyone knows how you are,” Apple sneered. “You’re nothing but a gnat.” She waved her hand. “Fly away, gnat.”

“Blackwater Security ring a bell?” Serena asked. “It seems, Apple, that you’re skilled enough at redistributing funds undetected, but not skilled enough to cover your tracks or your money properly.”

Color drained from Apple’s face. “Did you think I wouldn’t find out that you tried to kill me and take Harper?” She took a step closer, coming to stand next to me. “Did you think you’d get away with it?”

Charles was behind Apple. I kept my eyes on him, waiting for him to breathe wrong so I had a reason to kill him.

“And you.” I’d never heard Serena talk like this, so angry and disgusted. “The only good thing you did was help me create Harper. You’re nothing but a sperm donor, and the sight of you disgusts me. She isn’t someone you can pick up when you remember she exists. Get on that plane and don’t come back for her. It’s not like you would anyway.”

“Apple, what is she talking about?” Charles asked.

“Yes, Apple, tell him all the plans you made,” Adrienne said. Somehow, she managed to make herself invisible through all this, even though she got out of the car with us.

Where before she was simply Adrienne, now there was an air of menace about her that made it clear she was armed to the teeth.

Apple did a quick study of her, reached into her bag, and pulled out a small revolver.

“Get away from us,” she said, holding the gun up, her hand shaking.

“Seriously? You try to kill me, and you’re the one who’s afraid for their life?” Serena scoffed. “Go ahead. Board that plane and try to run away.” She took a step closer. Apple leaned back, like she was preparing to dodge a fist. “Just when you think you’re safe, that you’ve gotten away with trying to ruin my life, I’ll find you. There is nowhere safe enough for you to hide.”

I smiled. Charles noticed, and the color drained from his face. I hope he remembered what I told him at the club.

Serena had no idea how accurate her threats were. I had men waiting for them to arrive and keep track of them until we were ready to act. There were a lot of people who would be after them.

Either way, whatever happened to Charles and Apple wouldn’t trace back to us.

Apple slowly backed away, pushing Charles back with her. “Stay away from us. Harper was a little snotty kid. I only wanted her because I knew it would hurt you.”

Apple grabbed Charles’ hand, pulling him along behind her. He allowed himself to be dragged, flashing a confused expression our way.

He stopped at the base of the steps, forcing Apple to stop and turn around. She jabbed her finger into his chest, a sneer on her face. His body went stiff, shoulders straightening, chin lifting as he bent down to get in Apple’s face.

We stood there, watching them argue for another minute before Apple turned and went up the stairs. Charles followed like the obedient dog he was.

Apple glanced back at us every other step, like she was worried we’d run up after her.

“They really think this is over once they board the plane, don’t they?” Adrienne said.

I looked back at the plane. Jessen stood in the doorway in a flight attendant's outfit, Christina beside her, in what looked like a pilot’s uniform.

“Is Christina flying the plane?” I asked.

“Yes. She’s never flown this size before and wanted to.” Adrienne shrugged. “Do you think Charles is oblivious or does he choose to be until something slaps him into reality?”

“He lives in a different world, girl,” Serena said. “Good riddance.”