Theirs to Corrupt (Titans Captivated #5)

Chapter 30

CHAPTER THIRTY

The Next Day

Tessa

“You have news for me?”

After we shake hands, Celeste gestures for me to take a seat.

This is our second meeting in less than twenty-four hours.

I perch on the edge of the sofa, my hands tight on my purse. Ever since she messaged me early this morning, I’ve been a nervous wreck.

She offered to chat on the phone, but I didn’t want to risk either Link or Pax overhearing my conversation.

Still, getting away from the house wasn’t easy.

I understand their protectiveness, especially since Axel’s texts are coming faster and more furiously, but being under constant surveillance is wearing me down.

Today Torin and Mira are off, and that leaves me with Arielle, the agent who’d been with me in the bridal room at the Bella Rosa. Since Pax isn’t comfortable with me just having one agent, I wouldn’t be surprised if he followed us.

Still, when I glanced out the back window of the SUV, I hadn’t seen his motorcycle.

Celeste takes a chair. Then without further pleasantries, she says, “You’re going to be a very wealthy woman when you turn twenty-five.”

“I’m…” Speechless.

Honestly I didn’t expect my inheritance to amount to much.

Before the information has fully sunk in, Celeste goes on. “What do you know about your parents’ home?”

“Axel met with the lawyers. When he came back, he told me that the house was mortgaged, and that my dad’s business was pretty well bankrupt when…when the accident happened.” I clear my throat. “Evidently he made some bad decisions.”

“So you’d be surprised to learn the house was fully paid for and in the clear when they passed?”

“It was…” My ears start to buzz. “I…”

“And that the business was on solid ground?”

I grip my purse harder, as if my life depends on it. “What are you saying?”

She pulls a file folder from beneath her ever-present yellow legal pad. “Did you sign this?” She extracts a document and slides it toward me.

I study the blue ink. It’s close to my signature but not exact. “No.”

“It’s a second mortgage.”

Stunned, I drop the paper, and it flutters to the table. “I know nothing about it.”

“Fraud,” she suggests.

“And you said my father’s firm wasn’t bankrupt?”

“Quite the opposite.”

I’m sick. How many betrayals do I have to go through?

“There’s something else you should know.” Her voice is calm and careful.

Trying to gather my composure, I sit back.

“Link has been in touch with the lawyer overseeing your trust.”

Of course he has. I shouldn’t be surprised, but somehow I still am.

Frustrated, I squeeze my eyes shut.

“As your spouse, he has a right to do so.” She waits for a moment before adding, “He wants the funds to be transferred to a different management company.”

Fury rises in me. “Merritt Sovereign,” I guess.

“You’re correct.”

For the next fifteen or twenty minutes, Celeste explains options to me, including the terms of the trust. I can apply for funds for living expenses and education. Anything beyond that must be approved. “I have the means to support myself?”

“It will all depend on the definition of living expenses and what’s included. If you wish to live independently, we’ll also request funds from your husband.”

My heart twists into a hard knot.

“This is a lot to take in.”

I’m reeling, hardly able to piece anything together.

“Any questions for me?”

“The fund manager. Is he doing a good job?”

“As far as I can see, Julie is doing an excellent job of looking out for your interests.”

Julie. I like that my dad chose a woman for me to work with.

“Management fees are higher than I’d like to see, but not out of line with industry standards.” She pauses for a moment. “I believe Merritt Sovereign is higher.”

I’m not quite sure what all that means, but I’m determined to find out.

“I’ll text you her phone number. You should get acquainted. If you like her, you can continue to work with her. I’ll also send you the information for your parents’ attorney.”

“Thank you.”

“Take some time to think about all of this. Call me when you’d like to meet again? Of course, I’m here if you have further questions. And if you should want to make any moves, we can.”

Dazed, I stand and say goodbye. When I reach the door, I stop and turn back. “What about Axel’s trust? Did he have one?”

She nods. “He did.”

“It’s gone?”

“As far as I can tell. I haven’t taken a deep dive into his finances.”

With his gambling issues. I know the answer.

She’s quiet for a moment. “Tessa… I don’t normally give advice.”

For the first time, I smile. “But…?”

“Your brother had an inheritance, a house that was paid off, a business that was solvent. He’s had more than enough chances. If you sign over your trust, he’ll be back in the same financial situation again soon.”

Celeste is right. Yet he’s still my brother, despite everything.

Back in the SUV, I try to sort through my crazy emotions. I’m frustrated and angry with Link. I’m furious with my brother. My dad worked his whole life to take care of us. Even after his death, he’d done that. And Axel screwed it all up.

Would I be selfish to keep the funds my dad set aside for me? Especially considering the cost to Axel?

Not quite ready to return home, I ask Arielle to swing by the coffee shop, and since the afternoon is steamy, I order us both a frozen concoction. Then I splurge and add cake pops to the order.

“Oh God,” she complains when we drive through to pick up the order. “I so don’t need this.”

“Neither do I.” I grin as I place the beverages in the cup holders.

“You didn’t need to get me anything.”

“Are you kidding? You need the caffeine. Your job is hard.” And probably boring as hell. Trying to stay sharp, prepared for danger, even when nothing ever happens.

“Thanks,” she says, wrinkling her nose at me. “But now I’ll have to hit the gym after my shift.”

I stick my straw through the whipped cream and stir it in. “Wouldn’t you anyway?”

“But I usually work out for an hour, and now I’ll have to make it two.”

We both laugh, and I appreciate the break from my worries.

At that moment, a motorcycle roars past us, and I instinctively glance over.

Pax.

No doubt.

“Did he follow us from the house?”

“Who?” She never takes her gaze off the road.

But she hadn’t blinked when the bike blazed by. Her light shrug tells me all I need to know.

When we turn into the neighborhood, I remind her that I’m going to visit Natalie later in the day. David’s out of town, and she’s invited me to see their apartment.

Girl time is exactly what I need.

“When do you want to leave?”

“Five.”

“Got it.” She nods. “Text me the address, and I’ll have it programmed in.”

I grab my unfinished drink and cake pop, then let myself into the quiet house.

After our return from Vegas, I insisted on having the codes to the alarm. Link was a little reluctant, but Pax eventually relented. After all, every time a door or window is touched, a notification is sent to his phone. I’d never get outside without him knowing.

Relieved to be alone, I head upstairs to change into jeans and a comfy shirt.

Since we got back from our honeymoon, I’ve been spending plenty of time in my room, reading and watching movies on my laptop, looking at local colleges…avoiding my husbands as much as possible.

This afternoon, I call the fund manager and my family’s attorney and make appointments to talk to them tomorrow. Then, feeling somewhat more empowered, I drop onto my bed and once again look at local colleges.

All the information from Celeste makes me think.

If I hadn’t been forced to drop out of school when I ran away, I would still be there. Now I’m determined to go back. I want to know more about finances, about business. If I keep the money my parents left in trust for me, I don’t want to waste it.

The big question is, where do I want to live?

Should I stay in Houston?

If not, where would I go?

Returning to Chicago isn’t an option.

And the truth is, until Axel leaves me alone, I’m probably trapped with Link and Pax.

I check out a few colleges that are nearby. University of Houston looks interesting, but it may be more money than I can afford. But what if I got a job?

As if Link will allow that.

Frustrated, I sigh. How long is my life going to be on hold?

But as Celeste said, I do have options. Right now, it doesn’t feel that way.

I look at the local community college. For now, I could enroll in some online classes and get started soon. They offer an associate’s in business. With the classes I’ve already completed, I can earn that quickly.

Resolved, I exhale.

One thing feels settled, even if the rest of my life is still upside down.

The alarm on my phone rings, and I realize I’m running late.

After grabbing my purse, I slip on a pair of sandals.

As I walk down the staircase, I hear the deep rumble of male voices.

Crap . Is Link home early?

If he is, I can hope he’s in his office so I can get out the door without him seeing me.

The tension between us is thick and uncomfortable, and I’ve barely been able to sleep. Even though I hate the tension between us, I won’t back down.

As I near the kitchen, my heart sinks. Both men are there.

The worst possible scenario.

“Going someplace, little dove?” Link’s voice carries across the room.

God, I wish he wouldn’t call me that. It’s a reminder of what we had, and the wedge that has driven us apart. Now that I’m this close, I recognize the truth. Staying away from him is slowly killing me inside.

Link is standing near the door, blocking the exit. His gaze roams over me, and I feel exposed, vulnerable.

“I made reservations for the three of us for dinner at Maestro’s,” he says, his tone casual, but I hear the strain of tension in his voice.

“Is that your idea of an invitation?”

He winces.

“I hope you and Pax enjoy yourselves. I have other plans.”

“You have?—”

“Other plans.” I try to get past him, but he captures my shoulders. His touch sends a white-hot jolt of awareness through me.

“Stay,” he murmurs, his voice low and persuasive.

Gently he moves his fingers in a soothing, sensual way that would have been my undoing at one time.

Despite myself, my insides start to melt. I long to collapse against him, surrender, forget any of this has happened.

But at what cost?

With effort, I bring up my arms between us. Then I widen them to dislodge his grip. “I’m going to be late.”

“Mira and Torin are going with you?” Link’s eyes narrow.

“Arielle,” Pax answers for me. “Mira and Torin have the day off.”

“The fuck?” Link demands, his jaw clenching.

Since I don’t have the energy to deal with Link, I leave Pax to answer the question.

“I don’t like this,” Link insists.

“And I don’t like the fact my husband is trying to move my money around without my permission.” I bring up my chin. “The fund manager is doing a fine job. The cash stays there.”

“Look, little dove?—”

“You’ll excuse me. I’m running late.” After I key in the code on the alarm, the door releases. Quickly I open it before I can change my mind or Link tries to stop me again.

Arielle is waiting in the SUV with the engine running. As I slide into the back seat, I exhale, feeling like I’ve escaped a trap.

Rain begins to fall as we drive to Natalie’s apartment. The weather matches my mood—gloomy and dark.

Natalie greets me with a warm hug. As we settle onto her couch, she says, “First things first. What are we doing about dinner? I’m starved.”

“Want to order pizza?” I offer. The ones Pax got for us were amazing.

“Order?” she repeats. “You mean we’re not going to have those cardboard things that we used to get at the grocery store?”

I grin at the very recent memory. Still, I no longer feel like the same person. “My treat.”

“In that case, I want extra pepperoni and double cheese. Oh, and whatever they have for dessert. Something cinnamony or chocolatey.”

“You got it.” I look up the place and call them while Natalie pours us some wine.

Outside, thunder crashes, and lightning streaks past the window. I’m doubly glad we’re staying in. And I’ll have to tip the delivery person double. Being out in that weather sucks.

“So spill,” Natalie says, handing me my drink, then dropping back onto the couch next to me. “What’s been going on?”

I take a deep breath. “Where do I even start?”

“How about with your brother?” she prompts. “He leaving you alone?”

“I wish.” I run a finger along the rim of my glass. “Axel’s been texting me nonstop.” A chill goes through me. “He says that my marriage signed his death warrant.”

“What the actual hell?”

“Now he wants me to sign over my inheritance to save his life.”

Natalie’s eyes widen. “An inheritance? Are you serious?”

Thunder rumbles, and I jump.

After forcing out a breath, I take a sip of wine to steady myself. “Apparently so.”

“You didn’t know?”

“No idea.” Over the next few minutes as driving rain beats against the window, I fill her in with everything I’ve learned since meeting Celeste. “Link knew about it. He’s been trying to move the fund over to Merritt Sovereign. He talked to the fund manager, claiming spousal privilege.”

Natalie’s expression darkens. “You’re not going to let him?”

“No.” I shake my head.

“Good. Now tell me you’re not giving it to Axel after all he did.”

“Honestly I’m not sure what to do. Celeste advises against it.”

The doorbell rings.

“Must be the pizza,” Nat says, jumping up.

I follow her to the door, digging in my purse for cash to tip the driver. Nat swings the door open.

The delivery person has a hood up because of the weather, but as he raises his head, he tosses the hood back.

My heart thunders to a stop.

“Hello, little sister.”