Page 180 of The Renegade Billionaire

“This thing is really creepy,” Archie says, pointing to the giant hourglass. “What does it mean?”

It’s an obvious deflection to a lighter topic, but it’s needed right now.

“Well, when Alistair created Montgomery Media, he sent Ace an hourglass inscribed withI’m coming for the top. He wanted everything Ace had built, but Ace knew Alistair would never have control of his empire. Ace decided twenty years ago that it would be Braxton and Grey to pick up the pieces when he was gone.”

“His final f—udge you,” I amend, remembering Piper.

“Yes. Now, each of you had a representative checking in on you while you were away,” Mr. Coop says, steering us back to the matter at hand.

“What?” Ana sits up straighter.

“Yes. Anastasia, yours was James’ sister-in-law, Maggie.”

Ana looks down at the little girl in her lap. “I thought she just hated me because—because…it doesn’t matter.”

“Archie, yours was Clara’s aunt. Amara, it sounds as though you had a rocky start with the program director, but you ended on good terms.”

“She hated me,” my mother mutters.

Madison picks at the elastic on her wrist. “Were they all related to the fifteen in some way?”

“They were,” Mr. Coop confirms while gathering papers on his desk. “And I guess you know that your grandfather was keeping tabs on Braxton. Grey’s monitor was me, and for what it’s worth, Greyson, you fell into that role exactly as Ace thought you would, with grace and courageous leadership.” He turns back to Madison. “Ace understood why you all donatedyour settlement against Montgomery Media to anti-bullying campaigns, but he also wanted to ensure you were all taken care of, and I have instructions to check in with all of you again in a year.”

Madison swipes an errant tear from her cheek. “He was a good man.”

“He was,” Grey says solemnly.

“And I’m happily surprised to announce that you all met the requirements that Ace laid out for you, so your trust funds will be reinstated. However, any further transfers into those accounts must be approved by both Braxton and myself. At the time of my passing, that duty will transfer to Grey.”

“Are there any, ah, further stipulations? Do we have to live here or work for Omni-Reyes?” Ana asks, and Archie leans in for the answer.

“If you wish to work for Omni-Reyes, you will be awarded a position that fits your knowledge base, but it is not required, no.”

“So if I wanted to go back to Montana, I could?”

“What?” My mother gasps. “You’re—you’re going back…to live?”

“I am,” Ana says firmly. “We need some updated amenities—I’m not totally giving up my lifestyle—but…I’ve found…love and purpose there with James and Piper.”

“I think I’ve really messed up in Maine, but I would like to go back as well,” Archie says. “I’d like to be able to work for Omni-Reyes in some capacity though, if possible. Maybe remotely? Turns out I’m not a very good farmhand.”

I nod in acknowledgment. I’m not sure if now is a good time to spill our plans for the future of Omni-Reyes or not.

“And you, Amara? What are your plans?” Mr. Coop asks.

“I’m going to stay involved with the women’s shelter, a lot of them actually, but from California. My strengths are notcleaning bathrooms. My strength is fundraising, and I can do a lot of good for those women.”

“That sounds like Ace’s plan worked then.” Mr. Coop stands and hands out more envelopes. “Final ones, I promise, and no more stipulations. These are Ace’s final goodbyes.”

Mr. Coop offers me one, and I hesitate before I take it. His final goodbye. This makes it real. The sadness and pain hit as though they’re brand new, then Madison lays her head on my shoulder, and I slowly open the letter.

Dear Braxton,

If you’re getting this version of my letter, it means that my hunch was correct, and you and Grey are brothers. I’m sorry for not telling you myself. I was selfish. As Coop and I started making my final plans, I remembered that upon my passing, Montgomery Media would revert back to your control—Coop always was a sneaky one—thus opening the financials for the first time since Alistair took over.

I knew Grey would look into it as soon as he could, and I knew he’d find what I had suspected—a money trail leading to his father.

I also knew it would create havoc in the lives of everyone I love, and I didn’t want that for my final days. As I said, I was selfish, and I’m sorry about that.