Page 184 of Pretty When She Breaks

My aunt Rosalind arrived five minutes late, slipping into the seat by my side. The staff had set out light snacks, and Octavius sat up straighter in his chair. My father had looked just like him, but I supposed my father would never look that old, now.

“So,” he said, lacing his fingers together. “Thaddeus is dead, at Prince’s hands, as I understand it.”

“We’ve got him in the cages,” Marcus said, dabbing at his forehead with a handkerchief. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days, though if my son had just murdered one of the family, I probably wouldn’t be sleeping either. “I don’t know what’s going on with the security tapes, but we’ve got nothing for that evening.”

Prince had woken up beside Thaddeus, panicked, and tried to run.

“My PI will get to the bottom of it,” Valentino, my father’s eldest cousin, said. “Though it’s pretty cut and dry.”

Octavius sighed. “This is what happens when people get greedy. When they forget why this family works. Vivienne, you have the press handled?”

She gave a curt nod.

“And you’ve coordinated with Cornelius about what’s going on the coroner’s report?”

Vivienne hesitated, meeting our other cousin’s eye. That’s what my father had done as the head of the family—coordinated all the separate streams to make sure everything worked together smoothly.

“I’ve made a report,” I said, raising my hand. Finch stepped forward and handed me some files from his bag. “Key points for the press release, and the coroner’s report. Funeral arrangements, and I have checked in with the staff to make sure the rumours don’t get out of hand.”

“Thank you, Laurel dear,” Octavius said as I passed the folders across the table.

Vivienne looked like she was sucking on a lemon.

“Now, I’m prepared to help support whoever steps in to fill Thaddeus’s shoes,” he continued. The energy in the room shifted, everyone looking intently at Octavius. Valentino was next in line, but Marcus had worked closely with my father and may be better suited. Unless Octavius decided that one of the younger generations should step up. Romeo, Prince’s brother, had also worked here at the casino and was the oldest among the grandchildren.

“Valentino,” Octavius said, turning to his nephew. “You’re next in line. But I understand if you want to remain in your current role.”

Valentino’s eyes glinted as he bowed his head in mock humility. “I’m prepared to make the transition. Caius can take over my role in the business,” he said, nodding toward his son. “He’s been a partner for years.”

I cleared my throat. “No need to worry about that. I have it all handled,” I said, giving them my sweetest smile.

Every head in the room turned to look at me.

“Right. Yes, of course, Laurel. Any information you haveto help with the transition would be appreciated,” Valentino said, turning back to Octavius.

“I think you misunderstand,” I said, firmly reclaiming his attention. “I will be taking Thaddeus’s place.”

You could have heard a pin drop in the room.

“I’m sorry,you?” Caius said with a snort.

Vivienne’s eyes were alight with amusement, so sure I was about to humiliate myself.

I addressed my grandfather. “I think you’ll find that I am the most well-suited to take his place. After all, I have attended the majority of his business meetings for years.”

“Laurel,” said Octavius, “I know grief is a heavy burden to bear.”

“Grief?” I asked. “I’m afraid I’m not grieving the pack I just met, one of whom dug a knife into my shoulder while the others stood by. Nor the father who would routinely beat me in his fits of rage.”

Octavius’s mouth was hanging open slightly, his expression uncomfortable.

“Don’t pretend you didn’t know. None of you get to pretend you didn’t sit by and do nothing to help me.” I looked around the room, but for some reason, no one would meet my eyes.

“Laurel, your mind is under a lot of strain right now. Given your history, I know we can forgive—” Octavius started, but I cut in.

“My history?” I gave a little laugh. “Oh, of course. You were all there at my brother’s funeral, after all. You all saw me claim he wasn’t dead.”

I clapped my hands twice, and Finch, a smile twitching on his face, swung open the door.