Page 38 of Betrayed By Sin

Bria doesn’t answer, but she doesn’t let go either.

And for now, that’s enough.

When I return home, Cameron is there.

He summons me to the study after dinner, his expression unreadable.

I hesitate in the doorway.Axle sits at my feet, ears twitching, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

Inside, my mother perches elegantly on the armrest of a leather chair, a glass of wine in her hand.

Something about the way they’re bothwaiting for me makes my stomach turn.

I take a slow breath and step inside.“What’s this about?”

Cameron leans back against the desk, arms folded.“We need to talk about your future.”

I stiffen. “My future?”

My mother gestures for me to sit.“I would have hoped you would have longer to adjust, but what comes next.” She looks at Cameron pointedly, as if she’s dreading this conversation. “needs to be discussed.”

I don’t move.I don’t like the way this is heading.

“And what exactly comes next?” I ask, crossing my arms.

Cameron’s lips press together.“You’re a Rusco, Magnolia. That means something. It’s time you take your rightful place.”

A chill runs through me.I don’t like how that sounds.

I glance at my mother.She doesn’t disagree.

“What does that mean?” I ask carefully.

She sets her glass down with a delicateclink.“You have an opportunity to secure our family's position, to strengthen alliances that will ensure your safety.”

I feel my pulse tick up.“What alliances?”

Cameron exhales, his gaze locking onto mine.“There’s a deal on the table. One that will solidify our family’s standing and protect you from the chaos that’s coming.”

Somethingcold curls in my stomach.

I don’t know why, butthis conversation feels rehearsed. Calculated.

“What kind of deal?” I ask slowly.

Camerontilts his head, considering me.“The kind that requires commitment.”

“Loyalty,” my mother adds.

Something in her voice makes my chesttighten.

I narrow my eyes.“I already have a job. Or are you planning on making me some kind of business partner?”

Cameron smiles, but it’s tight,forced. “In a way,” he says smoothly. “This deal isn’t about money or property, Magnolia. It’s about power.Securing what’s ours.”

The air in the roomthickens.

They’re watching me. Waiting.