Page 14 of Cameron's Contract

“It’s insured.”

“Yes, but it belonged to Aunt Rose.” She looked pained. “How did you find out about Decker?”

“Staff shared that with Zie. Told her you’d met someone at Charlie’s. She told me during her therapy session. I almost believed her.”

Mia hugged herself tighter.

My body tensed. “You were seen huddling together.”

“We were whispering. I didn’t want anyone to overhear what he was saying about me, about my mom. I was embarrassed.”

And I’d walked right out of his house without punching him. My hand balled into a fist instinctively.

“He looked familiar, and when I realized who he was…” she said.

The thought of it had almost destroyed me.

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“Same reason you didn’t tell me about Decker and Adrian. We were trying to protect each other.” I kissed her forehead.

“I thought I could handle them.”

“You don’t handle these kind of people.”

“I really thought if I gave them what they wanted they’d go away. It was only a few thousand at first…”

“Until Decker saw your choker.”

She winced.

“It’s over,” I soothed.

“I’m sorry I lied to you at dinner.”

I reached for her hand. “Never lie to me again.”

“I promise.”

“Mia, I need you to listen. These kind of threats come in every day. That’s why we have Shay and his team. They handle all security. If anything ever comes up again, you must tell me. Or Shay, if I’m busy. Straight away. No delay. You never handle any issue alone. Am I understood?”

“I was scared you or your family would suffer because of me.”

“Am I understood?” I repeated firmly.

“Yes.”

“Mia, I own Chrysalis. Let’s be grateful they didn’t find that out.”

“Could you be connected to it?”

“The ownership goes under a corporation. We call it ‘The House’ when discussing any details in public. Very ambiguous.”

“So it can’t be traced back to you?”

Amused, I arched a brow. “That’s the benefit of a secret society.”

“Thank you for making that go away.” She still looked scared.