Page 92 of Monster's Edge

“I killed your father, Rose. You will never see him again.”

5

Ithink that when youfind out your family is dead, you’re supposed to be upset. Sad. Scared. You’re supposed to feel a lot of different things, but I don’t feel any of those things. In fact, I just feel...

Well, a little bit relieved.

I know that this complicates my life. I’m going to inherit everything from my dad, after all. I’m the only heir.

Then I realize I’mnotthe only heir.

“You’re my husband now,” I tell Ian.

He nods.

“We didn’t have a prenup.”

Another nod.

“You’ll inherit my dad’s estate,” I realize.

“Technically, you will, but yes, I will be running it for you.”

“What about his staff?” I whisper. Did he kill them, too? Or did he just fire them? I don’t really know how criminal takeovers work. I kind of hope Ian gave them all severance packages and sent them on their way, but his silence tells me what I need to know.

“The house will be sold next week,” he says. “I’ve already arranged a buyer. The money will be used as an inheritance for our children.”

“But we don’t have any children,” I tell him.

He places a hand on my tummy. It’s a little bit strange. “Not yet. We will, though.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

He looks up at me, eyes flaming.

“A boy,” he says. “A boy to carry on our legacy.” He looks back at my stomach. “And a girl who can be as beautiful as her mother.”