Chapter 25 Soon to be former daughter-in-law. A chill runs down my spine but I keep my face composed. I'm bleeding in a sea of sharks, and there's no way in hell I'm going to let them see me panic. One could surmise that he's referring to an annulment, particularly after Whitface already tried to coerce and bribe me into signing one. But there was something in the way he said it-a threat-that has me envisioning other scenarios. It hits me that every single man in this room not only despises me, but they are carbon copies of Alexander Dale and Arthur Whittingham. Rich, egotistical pricks who will destroy the world to climb the ashes. Alexander could whip out that gun and shoot me in cold blood, and none of them would flinch. They'd probably celebrate the destruction of another obstacle and feign innocence. After all, isn't that what they have always done? Damon said that Alexander killed his mother. Yet, he never suffered the deserved consequences. Whittingham too. How can you lie in bed with someone, accept gifts of love from them, just to end their life without a care in the world? That sick fuck actually decapitated her, disrespected her corpse. Well, let's be honest. He wouldn't have done it himself. People like that keep their hands clean and hide behind others, ready to throw them under the bus if a whiff of suspicion comes their way. My body physically recoils and revolts as fingers dance along my shoulder blade. It doesn't go unnoticed by Alexander as he gives a small chuckle under his breath. 'We're here today to discuss the next fiscal quarter. As you are all aware, we suffered some... setbacks in recent times. However, I've been assured that those issues have been resolved and our financial contract is still in place.' Someone across the table clears their throat, leaning forward with interest. 'And what of our newest shareholder? I believe your son's marriage restricted the Board's access to financial resources.' The man looks at me with a blank expression, dead green eyes curious. He looks almost familiar, but then again, all these men appear the same unless you gaze closely. 'Yes, you are correct, Henry,' Alexander says, giving my shoulder a squeeze. 'However, Arthur was able to proceed with the purchase of the replacement equipment and date it prior to the restriction taking place since it was already a contractual obligation. As such, we negotiated a continuance for the time being while our legal team reviews the trust deed.' It feels like spiders are crawling over my skin as everyone glances at me. I'm an inconvenience to them and it reads in their expressions. I let out a breath when Alexander releases me, walking over to his spot. Picking up some paperwork, he scans it briefly before turning his attention to me. 'Now, down to business,' he says with an almost sincere, calming voice. 'Avery, Board regulations state that any documentation must be signed by the majority shareholder. Previously when it was just Damon and myself, we were usually unable to proceed with required business without a Court order since Damon wasn't... compliant. When I took over as the majority shareholder, it made things easier as I only needed to sign. However, your incoming position changed the order of proceedings. Fortunately, our legal counsel has advised that given there are three of us now it actually works in our favor,' he smiles coldly. 'Together, you and I equal a majority. And by Dr. Smith's admission that you were lucid enough to enter into a marital contract, you are able to now sign on behalf of the Board.' What? He drops the paperwork in front of me. I drop my head, reading only the first sentence before I spin to glare at him. 'You want me to sign an agreement that allows you access to the trust fund?' Alexander nods, as if he's asking for something simple and not the ability to access means to torture human beings. 'Damon was correct in that as majority shareholder his vote holds the most weight. But he failed to account for the fact that you and I can form a majority if in agreement.' 'I won't sign it,' I snap, pushing the paperwork away. 'That's not your money. I'll never agree with you on anything.' 'Let's circle back to that,' he says, unfazed. Reaching down, he lifts the paperwork, revealing a second one underneath. 'How about this one?' Words printed in black and white stare back at me, my heart stopping completely as a shiver rolls through my body. I don't even react. I'm paralyzed by the document, tears threatening to spill as I register the double meaning of this document. A pen appears in my peripheral vision as Alexander holds out a black ballpoint for me knowingly. 'Avery,' he drawls when I don't move. 'Sign it.' There's a hiss and warning with his demand, and I do circle back-to the start. I scan the room, checking for allies. Surely at least one of them disagree with this. Right? Wrong. The men all watch expectedly, some more annoyed than others at my hesitation. I realize I'm stupid to have hope, a fool to consider that any of these monsters would care about human decency. I find myself looking through the large windows that separate the conference room from the hallway, pitifully searching for help. It's eerily empty for a busy corporate building-almost as if it was planned that way. 'I won't ask you again,' Alexander warns. 'I'm not a patient man, Avery. If you refuse, we'll just go with Plan B. Sign it.' I know I'm not the smartest person. And hell, everyone knows I've made some questionable decisions. I hurt Grey in the past. I abandoned Theo when he only wanted to be there for me. I painted Damon as a villain when all he ever did was try to protect us all. But I know what Alexander is referring to. I know what he's promising. If I die, Damon would be my legal beneficiary by law. I don't own much-nothing except these goddamn shares. But they would go to him. Unless... This time, I can't stop the tear that slips free, rolling down my cheek. I don't bother to swipe it away. I want them to see what they have done. Slowly, I accept the pen from Alexander, disgusted with the little huff of approval he makes. My name is already printed at the bottom under a line where I need to sign. I never understood the expression signing your life away. But I do now. After all, it's here-clearly written.... THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF AVERY ELIZABETH WHITE I revoke all prior Wills and Codicils. I am married to Damon Emerson Alexander Dale. I do not have any living children. I appoint Alexander Dale as my personal representative and executor. In the event of my death, I bequeath the whole of my estate to Alexander Dale. I, the testator, being of sound mind and legal age, hereby exclude my husband Damon Emerson Alexander Dale from being a beneficiary or receiving any portion of my estate. This last Will expresses my wishes without undue influence or duress. The pen makes a scratching sound as I quickly sign, shoving the paperwork toward Alexander. He gleefully motions for two men to come over, the pair of them signing as witnesses next to my name. 'Excellent. Now since that small matter has been taken care of, Avery, the other document.' I close my eyes for a few seconds, unsuccessfully composing myself. I wish I could be as cool and calm as the guys, but I'm not. Alexander is literally holding a gun to my head-well, Damon's now. If I don't sign the Will, he'll kill Damon then me. And if I don't sign the majority shareholder agreement, he'll kill us both anyway. One way or another, he's ensuring he gets his cut. It's just up to me as to who gets the first bullet. And I choose me. Damon will find a way to stop him. But I can't. Damon is the key to freedom for everyone at Lilydale. I'm just the girl he fell in love with. I can't choose my life and our marriage over the patients in good conscience. This isn't just my story. We're all victims. Maybe this is what I'm meant to do. No one was able to save me, but if I go down saving everyone else... That's a life well lived. The guys have each other. They will stick together. And maybe, just maybe, I can chase the clock and figure out a way to fix this mess before Alexander gets to me. Right now though... he needs me. We need to use that to our advantage. If it was easy enough, he'd just shoot me right now in this conference room and use the Will. But he's asking me to sign the majority agreement-which means we have leverage. Somewhere. We just need to find it. I quickly scribble my signature on the majority shareholder agreement, slumping back in the leather chair. Alexander nods happily at his little victory, looking way too delighted at my distress. I hope he dies a slow and painful death at the hands of Damon. 'Our counsel will file the paperwork and we'll begin necessary preparations. Now, gentlemen-if you turn to the next items in your agenda, Henry will take us through the fiscal quarter projections.' The ride back to Lilydale was as silent as the first trip. By the time we return, it's well after lunch but the thought of food makes me physically sick. The hallways are vacant, the patients in their classes. I fully expect the guards to take me to my cell or to solitary confinement, to keep me away from the guys. But when they shove me through Charmaine's door without a care in the world, I realize that was Alexander's plan. He wants me to tell them. He's going to gloat through me. I spot Grey immediately, his whole body straightening at my arrival as his eyes scan me over for inspection before shooting a murderous look at the guards. 'Avery, welcome,' Charmaine says warmly. 'Take a seat. We're just doing some reading. The material is on your desk.' All I can muster is a quick nod to acknowledge I heard her, my feet dragging as I head to my desk. My ass has barely touched the seat when Grey leans over, unbothered that Charmaine will probably notice and catch him. 'What the hell happened, little killer? Where were you?' Exhaustion seeps through my bones. I had every intention of coming back strong and determined, channeling that rage that has reared its head lately. But there's nothing but fatigue and sadness-and it's written all over my face. There's no point sugar coating anything. Nor any reason to lie. I'm in a huge mess and it affects everyone, so I just come straight out with it. 'Alexander happened, Grey.' He scans me over again, taking in the business attire I'm wearing. No doubt another bold move from Alexander in an effort to make a statement. I stand out like a sore thumb on the best of days, let alone in clothes that aren't the usual Lilydale gray uniform. 'Fuck this,' he murmurs angrily, standing up and grabbing my hand. I'm pulled from my seat and dragged behind him. Charmaine looks baffled by our movement as we head toward the door, but to my surprise, she doesn't try to stop us. As soon as we're out in the corridor, Grey stops and rounds on me, cupping my face in his hands. 'Are you okay?' I shake my head. 'Not even in the slightest.' He lets out a low exhale, resting his forehead against mine for a few seconds, allowing us both time to pull our shit together. 'Come on. We need to find Deadman.'