Page 112 of Through the Storm

Rebecca

But I’m not. Promise.

That earns a weak huff of laughter from me.

Ella

This is about YOU.

Ella

We’re not fixing or forcing anything.

Ella

We just want to get you out of the house.

I hesitate, then type:

Me

Okay. Give me five minutes.

I set the phone down and exhale, one hand drifting instinctively to my stomach. I guess it’s time to try to move on.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

katy

SHOWDOWN

Declanand I come down the stairs looking like we’re headed to court.

We’ve been summoned by my parents’ lawyers.

Well, technically I have. But there was no universe in which Declan would allow me to walk into that meeting alone.

Grandma Patty looks up from the kitchen counter and immediately clocks the vibe. “What happened?”

“Mom and Dad want me to come in today to sign some papers for my trust.” I hand her the letter.

She reads it in silence, glasses low on her nose. When she finishes, she folds the paper neatly and sets it on the counter.

“Well,” she says calmly. “That explains a few things.”

That’s it. She’s not outraged, or shocked. Like, at all.

I stare at her. “You’re not surprised?”

Grandma Patty meets my gaze, expression soft but certain. “No, sweetheart. I was hoping they wouldn’t go this route.” She sighs. “But I’m not surprised. Don’t worry, I’m ready.” She reaches for her purse. “I’ll handle it.”

“I don’t want you to?—”

“Yes,” she says calmly, “You do.” She heads toward the hallway. “Give me two minutes. I need to grab a few papers.”

Declan watches her go, then looks at me and nods once like he understands exactly what kind of day this is going to be.

The Montgomery Corporation occupies an entire building. My parents’ offices are on the top floor.