Page 138 of The Royal Art of Revenge

“The same goes for you,” Valentina replies. “Sometimes the best revenge is simply living well, and you will most certainly do that as the crown princess and then queen. For what it’s worth, I’m sure that alone has already ruined their lives.”

She has a point.

I know that.

It’s why it’s always been my number one goal.

But I’m too hurt, too damaged, too bitter and angry to stop at just this.

“I know,” I say quietly. “I’m just not done yet, that’s all.”

And I don’t know if I will ever be.

CHAPTER THIRTY – HATTIE

“May I come in?”

I look up at the sound of Oscar’s voice. It’s been a while since our paths crossed, and I’m not sure he and I have ever been alone.

Huh.

Well, now I’ve realised that, this is weird.

“Of course,” I say, saving the photo I’ve been needlessly editing for the last twenty-five minutes. “I could use a break.”

“Excellent.” Alec sweeps in past him in, clad in his customary black, and casually throws himself on the sofa.

Ah. We still aren’t going to be alone.

I raise an eyebrow in question at Oscar.

“Oh,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “If it isn’t obvious, he tends to appear out of nowhere.”

No kidding.

“A useful skill to have,” I muse.

“Not quite as useful as pulling a knife out of thin air,” Alec retorts with a cheeky grin.

“I’m starting to wish I’d never done that.” I push my chair back from the desk and spin, looking at the two men. “Would either of you care to explain why you’re here?”

Alec sighs. “Can’t a couple of young, respectful, upper-class gentlemen drop in to see their future crown princess without judgement?”

I look at Oscar. “Is it a visit that requires the two of you, or can I kick him out?”

He chuckles and closes the door behind him, then walks over and sits on the opposite sofa to Alec. “Unfortunately, he’s the one with the information. I’m here on His Royal Highness’ orders to, and I quote, ‘Make sure that bastard doesn’t try to convince my fiancée to run away with him again.’”

I choke back a laugh. That sounds about right. I can even hear it in Finn’s voice.

“I’m offended,” Alec says, setting a briefcase on the coffee table and pulling out an envelope. “I’m not here to steal her away. Quite frankly, she scares me a little. I’m all for fearing my wife, but I’d rather not have my life part of that equation.”

“Good.” I get up and join them at the sofas. “Fear keeps people in line, and you strike me as someone who needs to be controlled.”

He tilts his head to the side, his dark eyes focusing on me. “If you weren’t so utterly correct in that statement, I think I might be upset by it.”

“I’m sure you’ll get over it.” I eye the briefcase. “If you’re here, I assume that means you have information for me.”

“You assume correctly.” He glances at Oscar. “Are you comfortable having this conversation in front of him?”