Page 88 of Beautiful Revenge

When I learned of Albert’s horrid plan for me, I not only decided to take my life back, but my father’s too. If it meant kidnapping him from his own home and out from under his wife’s questionable medical choices, I would do it.

Revenge...

The way I see it, it can be served up two ways.

Sour and hateful, with a side of spite that never heals.

Or it can be a thing of beauty.

That’s what I’m choosing. A beautiful revenge to give myself and my father the second chance we deserve.

Janie’s ass hits the sofa and her face falls into her hands. “He’s dead. I can’t believe he’s dead.”

I study her. She’s not angry, sobbing, or even in shock. Her shoulders sag in a way that makes my play more satisfying than I ever imagined. I’ve fantasized about this moment for weeks. I prayed it would come to fruition.

But in all my dreams, I never thought it would feel this good.

Devon cups the side of my face to comfort me. “I’m so sorry, baby.”

I shake my head and smile through tears that are a balm to my soul. “He’s not dead.”

Devon’s eyes widen, but what gets my attention the most is Janie’s shocked tone. “He’s alive?”

Yes, she’s shocked, and not relieved.

I look down at her sitting on the sofa. “My father is very much alive,Janie.” I can’t help but bite her name in contempt. “Not only is he alive, but he’s conscious. He’s even said a few words here and there. They’re weak, but they would be since you had him intubated for so long. The doctors said he may need some speech therapy to strengthen his vocal cords if they don’t improve over the next few days.”

Devon’s hold on me tightens. “That’s the best news, baby.”

I look up at him and smile. “It is. I can’t wait to see him.”

“He’s alive,” Janie repeats, like she’s chanting it to herself because she doesn’t believe it’s possible. She looks up at me in disbelief. “He’s awake? You’re sure?”

I turn my gaze to Devon and lift up on my bare toes. He senses what I want and meets me for a chaste kiss. When my flat feet hit solid ground again, I look up at him. “Thank you for everything. I have very few people I can trust right now. I hope you know how much everything you’ve done means to me.”

Devon’s fingers bite into my hips, and he narrows his eyes. “Why do I not like the sound of that?”

“Because I need to ask you for another favor.”

I feel his exhale since we’re pressed chest to chest. “I think I’ve proven I’ll do anything for you.”

“I need you to kick my stepmother off your property and not allow her back. I know she’s the least enjoyable person to deal with. I’m sorry.”

He releases a chuckle. “That’s no skin off my back, baby. I’ll gladly do that for you and the rest of us.”

Janie shoots to her feet. “Watch it, Harlow! You’re on thin ice as it is after moving your father without my permission.We just learned that Patrick is awake. We need to go to him and decide what to do next.”

I turn to Janie but lean against Devon’s chest. “You really have lost it if you think I’m going to tell you where my father is. Let me explain what’s going to happen. Devon is going to escort you off his property. You’ve caused enough problems here—don’t ever come back. I can’t tell you what to do next, but if I were you, I’d find an attorney.”

“Why would I need an attorney?” she exclaims, affronted. “I’ve done nothing wrong!”

I tip my head. “You may want to rethink that. And don’t think about contacting the legal team at Stonebridge. Chrissie is making calls as we speak. No one within the corporation is to speak to you. Good luck getting anyone in the state of New York to even take your call. Every major player has a connection to my dad.”

Janie takes a step toward us, and Devon’s hold on me tightens. “Don’t threaten me, Harlow.”

I smile. “I’m not threatening you. I’m giving you decent advice but do what you want. If you want to wait until you’re charged with...” I pause and watch my words physically sink in as panic bleeds through her features. “Attempted murder? Tampering with medical records?” I shrug. “I’m no prosecutor, but whatever charges they drum up, you should be prepared.”

She shakes her head slowly and repeats, “No. I’ve done nothing wrong.”