Chapter 43 #3
“We've questioned both Julian and Roman,” August began, his voice carefully neutral. “Their accounts of tonight's events align with yours in every significant detail.”
Relief flooded through me so intensely I nearly swayed.
“We've also been in contact with our liaison at the local police department,” Rockwell added. “He confirmed that video evidence was submitted showing Ms. Beaumont's confession, and that the content matches what you've described. The Dionysus Club was not mentioned.”
“Furthermore,” Damien said, we've reviewed the statements given by your three friends. Jeremiah Cavanagh, Dylan Giroux, and Virginia McNaughton. Their versions of events are consistent with yours.”
I nodded, not trusting my voice yet.
August leaned back in his chair, studying me with those cold blue eyes.
“We've discussed the matter at length, and we've come to a decision,” he said.
“While you broke a fundamental rule tonight by leaving the estate without permission during the training period, we acknowledge several mitigating factors.
First, you were indeed the only person capable of extracting a confession from Ms. Beaumont due to your personal relationship with both her and the victim.
Second, we understand the heightened emotions and subsequent urgency involved.
This was your sister's murder, after all. Third, and most importantly, you ensured that no outsiders learned the truth about the Selection or any other Club activities.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
“As such,” he continued, “we will not be removing you from training. The matter is considered closed, provided nothing like this happens ever again. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.” My voice came out hoarse, and I cleared my throat. “Thank you. I understand completely.”
“Good.” He exchanged glances with Damien, who gave a slight nod.
“We will also be granting you five days of compassionate leave to visit your family in California once news of Ms. Beaumont's arrest reaches them.
Julian will escort you there to help maintain the internship cover story.
Roman will also accompany you, so he can visit Calista's grave.”
Something tightened in my chest at the thought of Roman finally being able to say goodbye to Cal properly.
“Thank you,” I said quietly. “That... that's very generous.”
“We're not without compassion, Violet,” Prentice said, though his tone suggested that compassion was a carefully rationed resource for a man like him. “We understand what you've been through.”
“Additionally,” August added, “we will ensure Ms. Beaumont's trial is scheduled after your training period at the estate is complete, so you may attend if you choose. We have sufficient influence with the court system to arrange the timing.”
Of course they did.
“I really appreciate that,” I said.
August's gaze sharpened, becoming more intent. “However, all of this is contingent on one factor.” He leaned forward slightly. “Your continued commitment to completing your training here.”
My stomach dropped. Here it was. The real question.
“That is,” he continued, his voice taking on an edge, “if you actually want to remain in training. After tonight's events, after discovering the truth about your sister’s death, you may feel that your time in Blackthorne Harbor is over, and you may wish to return to California on a permanent basis.” He tilted his head.
“So I'll ask you directly, Violet. Do you wish to continue your training?
Or would you prefer to invoke the clause that allows Selection girls to leave if they determine this life isn't for them?”
The chamber fell silent. Eight pairs of eyes watched me, waiting.
This was my out. The escape hatch I'd been counting on from the beginning. I could say the words right now—I want to leave—and they'd let me go. I’d have to sign an NDA, sure, and there would probably be some monitoring. But I'd be free.
I opened my mouth, the words forming on my tongue, but what came out wasn't what I expected.
“I want to stay,” I heard myself say.
August's eyebrows rose fractionally. “You're certain?”
Was I?
I briefly thought about Roman, who'd loved my sister so completely that her loss had shattered him. Who'd become an unexpected ally and friend.
Then I thought about Julian. About how he'd risked everything to protect me, including his own life.
About how he'd supported me through finding Cal's killer, right up until the moment she was caught.
About how I felt when he looked at me; like I was the only person in the world who mattered.
Like he'd burn everything down if it meant keeping me safe.
And then I thought about what leaving him would mean.
Going back to my old life, always wondering what might’ve been if I’d stayed.
Always wondering if I'd made the right choice.
Always feeling like some essential part of me had been left behind in this mansion with a man who terrified and enthralled me in equal measure.
I took a deep breath and lifted my chin.
“Yes,” I said, more firmly this time. “I’m staying.”