Page 123 of Redemption
Instead, I asked, “Because of your family’s money troubles?”
Amelia’s eyes flashed with shock that barely registered, before it was replaced by the mask of cold indifference I’d grown to expect from her.
“My father is an incompetent fool. I should be the one running the family business.” She jabbed her chest, her fire returning. “Me. Not him. Not when he’s running it into the ground.”
“So, why aren’t you?”
“Because my family is old-fashioned. And my father has always seen Edward as his successor and heir.”
“That’s bullshit,” I said, and I meant it. My grandparents had always made me feel just as capable of taking on the role of managing the family business as any of my brothers.
“Right?” She sank down into the chair across from me with a sigh. “Which is why I’m going to save us from ruin. Then Father will realize that I’m the one who should be at the helm. And Edward will finally be free to pursue his passion.”
I felt sick to my stomach. Her plan was flawed, but I wasn’t going to point that out to her. At least now I knew what she wanted the money for.
“And how will you explain such a large infusion of cash?”
“My father knows I’m good at networking. I will simply say it came from a Chinese investor.”
“Clearly, you’ve thought it all out.”
“I have.” I wanted to slap the smug look off her face. “And now it’s time to hand over the money.”
“Ah.” I leaned back in my chair, feigning a nonchalance I didn’t feel. “But you see, any transaction over five million requires the approval of a majority of the Huxley board.”
She flinched at that. She hadn’t expected it. “You’re lying.”
I shook my head, trying to project a calm demeanor even though I was sweating bullets. I had no idea when Jackson was going to return, and I didn’t want him—or anyone else—to walk in and startle Amelia. I got the feeling she was in the mood to shoot first and ask questions later.
Her breathing quickened. “You’re a billionaire. Surely you have private accounts.”
“Everything is held in trust. If you’d like me to make a call…”
She trained the gun on me once more with a menacing expression. “I know what you’re trying to do, and I’m not going to fall for it. Give me the money, or I’ll release the photos.”
I swallowed hard, trying not to let her see my fear. Those photos could never get out. There would be no more hiding the fact that Jackson had broken the rules. He’d lose everything.
And what would my family think? What would Brooklyn think? My stomach churned with unease.
“And if I pay you,” I said, deciding to let her think I was playing her game. No way in hell was I letting her walk out of here with the money or the photos. “You’d give me all the photos and erase all digital copies on any device where they’re stored.”
She rolled her eyes. “Once the money is in my account, yes.”
“I want your assurance that you won’t come back to me for more money later.”
“Yes, but as you said, you can’t access that sum.”
“I—” I tapped a finger to my lips, testing her resolve to keep my hands on the table. She said nothing. “Not from the Huxley corporation. But there might be another way.”
She leaned forward, a gleam in her eye. “What is it?”
I stood, pressing my advantage further. Amelia was so intent on the money, she didn’t care that I was standing. Even better, she wasn’t stopping me.
I inched closer, preparing to disarm her, when the electronic lock on the door beeped. Shit!
Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. I was so focused on the door and warning Jackson that Amelia was able to pull me toward her, pressing the gun to my temple.
The door to the suite opened. Jackson stood there, wiping sweat from his forehead. The door closed behind him.