Page 35 of Merciless

Colton inclined his head, then spun on his heel, leading us deeper into the depressing labyrinth of jail cells.

I silently followed, my feet getting heavier with each advance forward. I had achieved what I wanted, so why did I have a strong sense of foreboding?

The receptionist finally came to a halt, ushering us into an empty interview room—basic, dull and cold. The only furniture available was a lone table with two seats on either side.

Thomas immediately slipped into an empty chair and opened his briefcase on the hard surface. Colton wasn’t far behind, laying a loose palm on the lawyer’s shoulder, the gesture altogether telling.

Bitter jealousy crashed forth. When the receptionist departed, I let loose.

“What the fuck is going on, Colt?” He didn’t pay me any mind as he casually adjusted his cufflink, which was infuriating. “Don’t ignore me. I’m still your father. Have some fucking respect.”

Everything went still, a bitter chill permeating the air as Colton pieced me with his sole attention. My breathing grew ragged from the blatant show of savagery when Thomas interrupted.

“Take a seat, William. Everything will be revealed in due time. Although I warn you this once. Do not insult my client again, or there will be severe repercussions.”

I gulped, accepting the threat with the seriousness it deserved. Thomas wasn’t some inexperienced lawyer; he was a well-renowned cutthroat bulldog, employed to represent a multimillion-dollar company. He was not someone to be taken lightly.

Which only served to confuse me further. Why? Why is all this happening?

That’s when a high-pitched screech ricochetted off the walls. “Fuck you! Get your hands off me!”

A struggling Nikita was unceremoniously shoved into the room, then the thick metal door was slammed shut in her face.

She was dishevelled, her bridal gown marked, with her hair in disarray, yet I was relieved to see her in one piece. “Babe,” I said.

Nikita ignored me, fire flashing over her features. “What the fuck have you done, Colton?”

He had the audacity to appear shocked. “Me?”

“Yes you, fucker! I know this is all your doing! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?”

Thomas stood. “If you take a seat—"

“This is illegal—all of it! Holding me against my will, shoving me into this room. I’m not scared of you and won’t be bullied into your shit! You’re not the authorities, Colton. You better get ready to be sued out of your ass!”

“How did you manage to get us in here?” I asked, trying to work out what the hell was going on.

“Anything is possible, William, when you’re filthy fucking rich.”

My new wife flinched, which had my brow furrowing.

Colton tutted at her. “Ahh, I see. You thought you’d managed to get your grubby little hands on it all, huh?”

Nikita blanched, colour rapidly draining from her face as she stared dumbfounded at my son.

That was when Colton’s lips perked into an amused grin—more sinister than the impassive mask he’d worn earlier. “It’s finally here.”

“What?” I asked, my voice breaking on that one singular word.

“Justice.”

Chapter 22

WILLIAM

“I’m going to need you both to take a seat—”

“Get fucked,” Nikita spat, all hellfire and fight. Which made Colton perk an obnoxious brow.