Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 128356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
We approach large double doors that two well-groomed staff members open, and then we’re in a giant dining room with glittering candelabras and shiny plates.
“You’re late,” an authoritative older voice rumbles from the head of the table.
Regis Callahan.
Jude’s father looks like an older version of him, his features harsh and unforgiving, and his facial expression is as cold as ice.
“You didn’t mention bringing company,” Julian says, seeming more menacing in his natural habitat, his gaze pinning me in place.
“I never said I wouldn’t.” Jude wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close to his side. “Violet, meet Annalise, my sister-in-law.”
The woman in question, an ethereal beauty with soft features and a gentle smile, gets up from Julian’s side and gives me a hug, which is awkward because Jude barely releases me. “Hi, Violet. It’s lovely of you to join us. Jude’s never brought a girl home before.”
I stare at him, but he seems preoccupied, glaring at his father even as his grip tightens around me.
“You’re not going to introduce me?” the father asks.
“Certainly,” Jude grunts out a reply. “Violet, meet the sperm donor, Regis.”
“Enough,” Julian says with an edge, and his wife gulps a mouthful of wine.
Regis’s face reddens, his fingers clenching around a napkin, and I tense, thinking he’ll assault Jude or something.
“Sit down.” His voice booms in the hall like thunder.
I can feel Jude’s arm tensing before he releases my waist, takes my hand, and goes to sit on his father’s left. I hesitate before I settle in beside him.
The staff members quickly place dishes in front of us. The lobster smells amazing and looks to be high quality, but my stomach is so tight, I have no appetite.
I prefer the easygoing atmosphere we left at the penthouse instead of this suffocating tension that could be cut with a knife.
“How is school? Hockey?” Annalise asks in a careful tone.
“Good.” Jude grunts, smearing his fork all over the dish, but he’s not eating. Usually, he’d devour anything I cook for him.
“That’s great,” she pipes up. “I’m glad you’re doing well. It feels like forever since I last saw you.”
“That’s because he’s an ungrateful cretin who has no notion of family ties whatsoever,” Regis says, then takes a sip of his wine.
I touch Jude’s hand under the table. It’s balled in a tight fist on his lap as if he’s enduring something. It relaxes a bit beneath my touch, but he doesn’t uncurl it.
“What can I say?” Jude’s lips pull in a mocking smirk. “I learned from the best.”
“What on earth is wrong with you tonight?” Julian’s harsh voice echoes with a warning. “Have you left your manners at the door? Or do you believe Violet’s presence will shield you from consequences?”
“No, leave him, Julian,” Regis says. “He seems to have a lot to say for once. Let’s hear it.”
Jude barks out a humorless chuckle. “So you can lock me up in the basement for your entertainment?”
He…locks his son up in the basement?
I mean, after I woke up from the coma, Dahlia told me many things about Vencor and how cruel these families can get, but isn’t Jude doing well? He’s a star athlete, and, according to Dahlia, a very successful member of the organization.
Thinking that Jude comes with all of these labels attached makes my head whirl.
Lately, I seem to gloss over the fact that Jude is a killer. He’s ended many people’s lives, and he’ll continue to. But right now, as I look at his father, I blame him for bringing Jude into this world.
Jude had no choice but to fit the mold he was shaped in.
“I won’t. You have my word.” Regis swirls the wine in his glass. “So go ahead.”
“Father, this is not the right time—”
“Silence, Julian. Stop speaking on his behalf and cleaning up his messes. Let him voice all his complaints.”
“Complaints. Sure, let’s call you murdering my mother a fucking complaint, Father.”
Silence falls like doom on the table. Annalise winces, putting her fork down, seeming to have lost her appetite. Julian glares at Jude, but Regis is staring at his younger son with an unchanged expression.
“Your mother was murdered in broad daylight by a mentally unstable person. You know that, considering all the killings you’ve indulged in since then to avenge her. If anything, the girl sitting by your side witnessed the murder in full detail, no? Tell me, young lady, did you see me murdering that woman?”
I swallow hard, my hand trembling on top of Jude’s, and he flips his over, uncurls it, and holds my fingers tightly. “Violet has nothing to do with this.”
“Nonsense,” Julian interjects. “The sole reason she’s even sitting next to you is because you targeted her due to Susie’s death.”
Annalise’s face blanches, and she gives me a sympathetic look and a little pained smile. I try to smile back, but I’m so agitated, I’m not sure if it reaches my lips.