Page 80 of My Pleasure

Caiden sat down on the ottoman. “What was he saying?”

Rory took a deep breath, then began recounting what he heard. “That he supported her while she tried to make her way in the human world, that she led him on and then abandoned him, breaking his mother’s heart, since she viewed you as a daughter.”

Kiera snorted. “That bitch hated my guts.”

Rory pulled a chair in from the kitchen. “He said he’s here to talk to your uncle, so they can talk some sense into you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, good luck with that.”

Ryuu and Pip walked in. Ryuu held a tray and went right to Meryn. He set down a large, iced coffee and two bowls of snacks. Pip took his seat next to her and made sure that the straw was facing toward Meryn and scooted the bowls a bit closer.

Ryuu looked around the room, then he snapped his fingers. Chairs appeared in open spaces around the room.

Aiden smiled. “Thanks, Ryuu. What would we do without you?”

“Stand, obviously.”

Everyone took a seat.

Hunter looked at her. “Does your ex know your uncle?”

“No, in fact, I think he was dating me just to get close to my uncle.”

“Why would he want that?” Hunter asked.

“His family has money, but not a lot of clout in the paranormal world. To him, my uncle represented influence in Storm Keep, especially since the Academy sets witch scores,” she explained.

Meryn looked confused. “I thought the Witches’ Council did the scores.”

“A lot of people mix up who does contracts and who does the scores. But honestly, the Witches’ Council and Academy have been working together for so long regarding both that people use them interchangeably now. The Witches’ Council creates and assigns out contracts. They also track the money those contracts bring in, but the Academy is the place that actually teaches and tests witches.” Kiera sighed. “I was always seen as a disappointment, since my uncle was a Proctor, everyone always assumed I would do well.”

“Another random question,” Meryn said, still tapping away on her laptop.

“At this point, I dare not say no,” Kiera said.

“Did your banker chick say anything about your accounts being locked?”

Kiera frowned. “I think so, especially after she flagged my uncle for being suspicious. Why?”

“Well, if it hadn’t been inaccessible, then he probably woulda offed the kids a while ago,” Meryn said casually, munching on a pretzel stick.

Kiera dug out the card that Lena gave her. She called the number.

“Ms. Sorrel, how can I help you?” Lena asked.

“Augustus called earlier asking about what would happen if the kids were to pass.”

“Yes, I must admit, that did cause some concern.”

“Can we change it so that me as the Trustee gets their money instead of their guardian?”

There was silence. “I believe we can. One moment.”

As Kiera waited, she turned to look at Hunter. He placed a supportive hand on her leg.

“Ms. Sorrel, normally this is not something we can do over the phone, but given the circumstances, your uncle’s persistent aggression and your valid concerns, my manager has approved this change. I will email you the updated terms of their accounts. Sign them and email them back to us tonight. I will file them immediately.”

“Thank you. You have no idea how much this helps.”