Page 152 of The Art of Ruin

I frown at my brother. “Fine, it’s noted.”

It’s not that I’m keeping it a secret to hurt her. I’m protecting her and that’s how I justify it. Jasper made the mistake of frightening her.

Humiliating her.

Making her cry.

Of coming after ISM with that bullshit FBI raid.

And now I can’t seem to stop myself from wanting to dismantle every part of his life piece by piece.

The strange thing is—I don’t even feel guilty about it anymore.

My phone lights up again before Matteo can continue the conversation.

This time, Casey’s name appears across the screen.

Everything inside me shifts instantly towards happiness, a smile spreading across my face that I can’t control.

Matteo notices that too, unfortunately.

“Oh, that’s disgusting,” he mutters.

I ignore him completely as I answer. “Hi.”

There’s a soft pause on the other end, like she’s smiling already just from hearing my voice.

Christ.

“Hi,” she says. “Am I interrupting important billionaire world domination?”

I love that she teases me. “Only Matteo being annoying as usual.”

“Rude,” Matteo calls loudly toward the phone.

“Be nice. Matty is sensitive.”

“I’m always nice to you.”

Casey laughs softly. “Yes, you are.”

The sound settles somewhere low in my chest with dangerous ease.

“You still at work?” she asks.

“For another hour.”

“Mm.” Papers rustle softly on her end. “That’s unfortunate.”

My attention sharpens immediately. “Why?”

“Because Letty told me I’m not allowed to tell you she made brownies without you.”

A smile pulls at my mouth before I can stop it.

Across the desk, Matteo looks physically ill witnessing it.

“Traitor,” I say lightly.