He got up with a huff and made his way toward the exit. Violet was there already, waiting for us, a smile on her face.

“We’ll take it,” he answered, and without another word, left. I followed him, pausing next to Violet.

Her gaze shot to mine, and she gave me a thumbs up.

“That’s one of our most expensive pieces,” she whispered.

More panic raced through me. My heart was pounding. My palms became sweaty.

“How much?” I asked hesitantly.

“The price of a small house. Half a million.”

My mouth went dry.

There is no way… This would pay all my mom’s bills.

On top of that, I couldn’t possibly feel comfortable wearing something so expensive for fear I’d ruin it.

“You can always return it after the event,” she whispered, seeing my face. Her hand was on my arm, guiding me to the checkout where Warren was waiting with an indifferent look.

He was holding the price tag between his fingers, but his face gave no indication that money was an issue.

“Let’s not get this,” I said in a low voice as I reached him. “Please.”

Warren paused. “Begging now, Addi?”

I gritted my teeth. If I had enough money for this dress, at least half my problems would disappear. I couldn’t just let him carelessly spend this much.

“I don’t need it. Really.”

“Why is that, Addi?” He raised a brow at me. “You’d rather go naked? The press would enjoy that.” He paused, a smile pulling at his lips. “Actually, I’d prefer that to any dress in here.”

My heart stopped in my chest, and for the first time in a while, I was left speechless.

12

ADDISON

Warren’s manor was dark. His security detail was outside patrolling; I could see their flashlights every now and then when I looked out the windows to the yard.

There were more of them than I’d ever seen, even at my father’s estate.

I guessed it was warranted. I bet I wasn’t the only person who hated Warren for the piece-of-shit person he was.

A man like Warren had to have tons of enemies. The real question was, Why am I the first one to infiltrate his life? My purpose was lightly disguised, and Warren had already expressed his doubts.

It wouldn’t be long until he was sure of my true motives, though I hoped it would be after I was long gone.

My body was alight with nervous energy. I couldn’t spend another hour in my room, staring at the ceiling. I was getting antsy.

Every moment I stayed there, lying on the comfy sheets, was another moment that I wasn’t out getting revenge for my parents. Even after a couple of days, I still hadn’t stumbled upon anything notable.

And I couldn't let myself become complacent.