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“Did you know?” I grit out, needing to hear her admit it.

“I’m so sorry. We had no other choice.” Her voice perks up, further increasing my annoyance. “Consider it a compliment. That a man of his wealth and status found you worthy of a million dollars.”

Julian curses in the background.

Although he is one of those men.

I’m pretty sure I also hear him call my mother a cunt.

“How could you?” I say, fighting to control my emotions. I refuse to let her hear me break down. “As a parent, you’re supposed to protect me.”

A chuckle leaves her.

Yes, a fucking chuckle.

“Now, how was I supposed to do that, Genesis? I’m far too old for him, and you’resoomuch prettier.”

“And you’re dead to me.” I end the call.

All I’ve gotten today is betrayal.

Tears build in my eyes.

My mother has always been selfish, but I looked past her faults.

My grandparents are dead.

My parents deserted me.

No siblings.

All I have are friends.

And Julian, it seems.

“Wait,” I say when Julian cuts a right, driving in the opposite direction of my apartment. “This isn’t the right way.”

“We need to make one quick stop,” he says, making another wrong turn.

I recognize the building.

I’ve been here with my father.

I grab Julian’s arm when he puts the Escalade in park. “What are you doing?”

“No need to worry,” he says, opening the glove compartment and pulling out a gun with a silencer at the end. “I have to make a quick errand, and then we’ll go to your place. Start a list of what you need.” He tugs away from my hold and opens the door. “Stay in here.”

Before he gets the chance to lock me in the Escalade, I jump out. “I’m coming with you.”

“Don’t say a motherfucking word,” he warns, snatching my hand, his grip so tight that I can’t pull away. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you that this wasn’t a good idea.”

I, of course, say words.

I plead with him to stop as he drags me toward Henry’s law firm.

I know Julian enough to know he’s not here for a simple chat or for legal advice. His gun and the anger burning off him confirm it further.

He shoves the gun into his waistband and swings open the door. It’s late, and most of the offices are closed. Only a few people are in the entrance lobby. I struggle to keep up with him as he leads me straight to the elevators. A couple attempt to join us, but he closes the doors in their faces.