Gordon had outdone himself. Fluffy omelets, fresh fruit, warm pastries, crispy bacon. Berlin made a mental note to thank him later, effusively.
So, Zire said, pouring her more champagne. We need to talk about the thorns. The bubble of happiness in Berlin’s chest deflated slightly.
I know. Nadine’s deadline is in 3 days. She’s expecting money or she’ll try to expose you.
Zire’s expression hardened. I have a plan. What kind of plan? The kind that destroys her before she can destroy you.
He leaned forward, his dark eyes intense. My investigators have been digging into Vernon’s business dealings for weeks.
We found evidence of fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, enough to put him in prison for decades.
Berlin’s eyes widened. You’ve been investigating them this whole time? Since the day you yelled at me in the kitchen.
Zire’s lips curved slightly. I told you I watch everything, especially things that interest me.
And you, Berlin, interested me from the very beginning. Warmth spread through her chest. So, what’s the plan?
We confront Naen, use the evidence as leverage, get your keepsake back. Zire’s jaw tightened, and make sure she never threatens you again.
We Berlin shook her head. Zir, I appreciate everything you’ve done, but I need to do this myself.
His eyebrows rose. What? Nadine has controlled me my entire life. She used that locket to manipulate me for 23 years.
Made me feel worthless. Made me believe I was nothing without her help. Berlin’s voice strengthened.
If you swoop in and handle everything, then she wins. She’ll still have power over me.
She’ll still be the one who decided my fate. She reached across the table and took his hand.
I need to be the one to end this. I need to face her myself.
Zire studied her for a long moment. She could see him wrestling with it. The protective instinct waring with understanding.
I don’t like it, he finally said. I know. She’s dangerous, vindictive. She’ll try to hurt you.
I know that, too. Berlin squeezed his hand. But I’m not the scared little orphan she raised anymore.
I’m stronger now, braver, and I have something I never had before. What’s that? Someone waiting for me to come home.
Something flickered in Zire’s dark eyes. He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
The gesture, so tender, so unexpected from a man so fierce, made Berlin’s heart stutter.
Fine, he said against her skin. You face Naen, but I’m going to be close by and the moment things go wrong, I’m stepping in.
Non-negotiable. Berlin smiled. Deal. Zir Langston is whipped and he doesn’t even care who knows it.
But here’s the thing. Berlin is about to face down the woman who abused her for 23 years alone.
And we know Naen is working with Kendrick behind the scenes. Comment go off Berlin if you’re ready to see her stand up for herself.
Like and subscribe because this confrontation is about to be everything. The meeting was set for the following evening.
Berlin had texted Nadine from her own phone, not hiding behind Zire’s protection, not pretending to be anyone other than who she was.
Grand Monarch Hotel, room 8:47, tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. I have what you want. Nadine’s response had been immediate.
Finally, don’t be late. Now, Berlin stood in her room at the Langston mansion, preparing for battle.
She chose her outfit carefully. A sleek black dress that Zire had bought her. Expensive, elegant, powerful, the gold heels with the ruby accents, the diamond bracelet, the key pendant that marked her as a Langston.
She looked like a woman who belonged in Zire’s world. She looked like a woman who refused to be broken.
A knock came at her door. Come in. Zire entered, his expression tight with concern.
