Page 103 of The Addendum

He shrugged. “It’s done.”

“Then fucking undo it,” I snarled.

“Watch your tone and your language,” he threatened.

“Or what? You’ll send me to bed without supper? Ground me? News flash, asshole. I’m not a child. You can’t tell me what to do or not to do. And you can’t bribe your way into my life with your wealth.”

A flash of anger crossed his face, his eyes narrowing. “That’s not what I was trying to do. I wanted to make your life a little easier. I thought you’d be pleased.”

“In what alternate universe? I want nothing from you.”

“You’ve made that obvious.” Suddenly, he was yelling. “You’re the one who started this. And you’ve been punishing me ever since it was confirmed I’m your father. You can’t explode into my life—our lives—and then turn your back.” He grabbed at his hair, tugging. “I’m sorry I wasn’t fucking there for you as a kid. But I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere. You’re my daughter, and I’m trying to make up for it!”

I stared at him. “You can’t.”

“Because you won’t let me!”

“I think you both need to calm down,” Katy interjected. “I’ll make some tea, and we can sort this out.”

“With all due respect, Mrs. VanRyan, I don’t want any fucking tea. And this is none of your business.”

Richard stepped closer. “You will speak to my wife with respect. This is her business since it affects her as well as the rest of my family. She has been nothing but kind to you, and you’re being rude.”

I felt my cheeks flush. I was being rude, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself.

“Reverse the transaction, Richard. I don’t want your money.”

“Too bad, it’s done.”

“I’ll give it away.”

“Then give it away,” he snapped. “Do whatever the fuck you want with it.”

“Stay out of my personal accounts. And out of my life.”

He glared at me for a moment then shook his head.

“Fine, Ashley. If that’s what you want. I won’t bother you anymore.”

I turned and stormed out. In my car, I huffed out a sigh of relief.

I didn’t have to worry about seeing any of the VanRyans again.

I tamped down the swell of sorrow that threatened to engulf me.

* * *

Luc set down his glass carefully after listening to me tell him what had happened.

“So, Richard paid off your student loans?”

“Yes. Can you imagine? The fucking nerve of him.”

“And the girls asked you to have coffee?”

“Yes.”

“And you ended up basically telling them all to fuck off?”