Page 127 of The Jaded Notes

“This has nothing to do with Cindy.” My stare bores into Livianna’s eyes. “This is about you having a safe place to live and work while you build your empire.”

“My empire,” she repeats as if the words taste bad. “How impressive. Though I suppose everything sounds more important when you’re the one saying it.”

Greg’s hand finds Lorna’s. Their fingers intertwine in a gesture that speaks of shared concern and partnership that survives decades of storms.

“The offer stands, darling.” He gestures to Livianna. “But the decision is yours to make.”

Her hardened gaze flits between the three of us. Her blue eyes are bright with unshed tears and hostility in equal measure.

For a moment, I think she’s going to refuse out of sheer defiance. Then, something shifts in her expression. There’s a moment when she decides to surprise us all.

“I’ve always loved Malibu.” She stands proud, like she’s won a war where she conquered me, and holds out her hand. “Keys and address, please.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

LIVIANNA/LILY

Eight Months Before Now

Brotherly Secrets & Paralyzing Truths

When the past spills out and the world turns upside down.

Bren’s deep voice cuts through the ambient noise of the coffee shop. “You look like you got hit by a truck.”

He’s sitting in a corner booth, wearing dark sunglasses that hide what I’m sure is evidence of what he did last night and nursing what appears to be his third espresso of the morning.

“Right back at ya.” I slide into the seat across from him and take off my shades.

He does the same, showing off his red-rimmed blue eyes. It’s been almost two months since we’ve seen each other, and we both look like we’ve been through the wringer.

I place my purse next to me. “I see we’re both dealing with our lives like mature adults.”

“Speak for yourself. I’m handling mine like a rockstar.” He pushes a coffee cup toward me, steam rising from the rim like incense. “Extra shot and extra sugar. Everything you need to feel human again.”

“Thanks. You’re my hero.” I wrap my fingers around the ceramic warmth and inhale the bitter comfort. “I have news about my living arrangements.”

“Let me guess. You’re moving to a convent to become a nun.”

“Close.” I take a careful sip, testing my stomach’s willingness to accept caffeine as penance. “No, seriously, I’m moving out of our parents’ house. I got the keys this morning.”

“You already bought a place? That was fast.”

“I didn’t purchase the property. It’s a business arrangement I made.” The words taste careful on my tongue. “It’s temporary but private and secure. It’s in Malibu.”

“Malibu?” He leans back, studying my face. “That's not exactly cheap real estate for a temporary situation.”

“I know, but it’s complicated.”

“Everything is with you lately.”

“Well, I’m overwhelmed and busy with work, so this is a simple solution.”

He fiddles with the ring he wears around his finger. “Wanna talk about it?”

“Yes and no.” My shoulders roll forward. “If I tell you, you’re just going to lecture me.”

“Why? What did you do?”