Chapter 16
My father didn't turn around as we walked into the room, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his teacup.
“You always were remarkably stubborn, Amelia,” he said, his voice smooth, warm, and deeply familiar.
“I told Thomas Sterling that a sea water valve wouldn't hold you for more than twenty minutes.”
I stopped five feet behind his chair, my hands clenching into tight fists at my sides.
“Ten years, Dad,” I said, my voice cutting through the hum of the cooling fans.
“Ten years you let me believe you were dead in a mountain in Westchester.”
Arthur turned his chair slowly, looking at me with cold, calculating affection.
He had aged gracefully; his hair was silver at the temples, his posture straight and aristocratic.
“I was protecting the family legacy, Amelia,” Arthur said, setting his teacup on the console.
“The federal government was going to seize everything in 2016. I had to create a distraction.”
“By poisoning me in London?” I demanded, taking a step closer.
Arthur frowned, a look of mild irritation crossing his face.
“London was an unfortunate complication caused by Richard’s stupidity,” Arthur dismissed carelessly.
“Richard thought he could take your place permanently. He didn't understand that you were the anchor.”
“I was the fall guy!” I yelled, my control slipping for a brief second.
“You signed my name to four hundred million dollars of illegal offshore transfers!”
“I signed your name because you are the only one with clean public standing,” Arthur explained calmly, as if teaching a child.
“A founder who was publicly humiliated by her staff, who returns to find her resort stolen…”
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“The public loves a victim, Amelia. The jury will feel sorry for you.”
“And while they’re crying for you in court, I’ll be living in Dubai with the four hundred million.”
