Chapter 2 #2
He gestures wordlessly, his hand a brusque indication for me to follow.
I trail him down the hall, the tension palpable, the sound of my heels echoing with each deliberate step. The air between us crackles, heavy with unspoken words.
Inside, emotions churn beneath the surface—anger, regret, even a twinge of pain—but I lock them away behind the armor I’ve spent years perfecting. On the outside, I am calm. I am untouchable, and I’m about to win.
We reach his office, and he steps aside, motioning for me to enter. I do so, keeping my movements measured and graceful as I take in the space. It’s functional, utilitarian… and neat as a pin. My guess is the man has OCD.
I turn to face him as he closes the door behind us, my bag still slung over my shoulder.
“Let’s talk,” I say, the slightest edge of a smile playing on my lips. Let the game begin.
Brennen’s jaw tightens as he leans against the edge of his desk, his arms crossed over his chest. The tension in the room is almost suffocating, and I drink it in, savoring every moment. His eyes flash with anger, but his voice is even.
“Let’s not play games, Candace. This isn’t about business, and we both know it. You’re here because of something my brother or my father did to you years ago.”
I arch an eyebrow, letting out a soft laugh, cool and sharp.
“Don’t flatter yourself. Or them. I have better things to do than dredge up old grievances from the past.” My voice is calm, cutting, every word a weapon.
“This is business, Brennen. Plain and simple. And if you and your family were better at it, you wouldn’t be in this position. ”
His eyes narrow, his fists clenching at his sides. It’s a low blow, and we both know it. But I don’t care. The truth stings, and I’m happy to let it bite.
“This isn’t just business,” he says, his voice hardening. “This is our home, our legacy. Why would you even want it?”
I shrug, tilting my head slightly, as though the question bores me. “Because it’s a good investment,” I say smoothly. “And because, frankly, you’ve left it vulnerable. If I don’t take it, someone else will. You should have been more careful.”
“You’re full of shit,” he snaps, stepping closer. His frustration is palpable, but I hold my ground, meeting his gaze with icy disdain.
“You can tell yourself whatever you need to sleep at night,” I reply, a small smile curling my lips. “But facts are facts. You’re here because of your and your father’s failures. Not mine.”
His shoulders stiffen, and for a moment, I wonder if he’s going to lose his temper. He doesn’t, though I can see the effort it costs him. Instead, he straightens, his voice cold and deliberate. “Fine. You’ll get your money. Every damn cent of it. By the due date.”
I laugh, sharp and mocking, the sound echoing through the office.
“Oh, Brennen, don’t embarrass yourself. Look around.
” I gesture to the worn furniture, the peeling paint, the signs of a business that’s barely holding itself together.
“Do you honestly think you can scrape together enough money to pay off the note? This vineyard is falling apart, and you know it. Admit defeat. Walk away gracefully.”
His jaw tightens, but he says nothing, his eyes burning with barely contained fury.
“I’ll make it worth your while,” I continue, letting my voice drop into something almost sweet. “I’ll pay off all your debt and give you three million on top of that. No fuss. No drawn-out fight. Just a clean slate. Otherwise? You’ll get nothing.”
The silence stretches between us, heavy and charged. Brennen’s hands curl into fists, his chest rising and falling as he fights to keep control.
“Leave,” he says finally, his voice low and steady, though I can see the storm raging behind his eyes.
I smile, the victory already sweet on my tongue. “As you wish.”
Turning on my heel, I stride out of his office, my heels clicking against the floor with every confident step. The woman glances up as I pass, her expression uncertain, but I don’t spare her a second thought.
My driver is waiting at the entrance, and he steps forward to open the door as I approach. I slide into the back seat, smoothing my skirt as I settle into the plush leather.
“Take me into town,” I say. “It appears I may be here a while.” I give him the address of a luxury Airbnb.
The Rolls Royce purrs to life, gliding smoothly down the winding drive. I watch the vineyard fade into the distance, the rows of vines disappearing behind us, and allow myself a moment of reflection.
I don’t usually let my emotions rule me. I pride myself on being calculated and pragmatic. Vindictiveness isn’t a trait I indulge in often. But Ryan Murphy is the one exception.
He broke something in me all those years ago, something I’ve worked tirelessly to rebuild. And no matter how much time has passed, I can’t seem to let it go. He needs to pay.
And that means taking down everything he cares about—starting with his brother, his mother’s precious Celtic Knot, and his little sister, Emma.
Emma. The memory makes me smile, though now it’s a smile laced with venom. We’ve crossed swords before, and I have no doubt she’s already called Ryan. Let her.
Let him come back.
It’ll make destroying him all the sweeter.