Page 93 of Colton

The question doesn’t catch me off guard. In fact, I expected it. My original plan was to visit my family and, with the money I got from the pictures I sold, pay off some of the debt and make sure my siblings have a lot of gifts under the Christmas tree.

Then, Sophia informed me of the parties and all of that, so I’ll have to spend time there, too. Her parents are lovely, and they’ve always treated me kindly, so I’ll likely end up buying something for them as well.

“Perhaps around New Year’s?” I offer. “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

“That sounds good,” he hums. “I’ll come get you.”

A small frown tugs at the corner of my lips. “I could always come by bus, or catch a train.”

He glances at me sideways before turning his eyes back to the road. However, that small glance is enough for me to see just how unimpressed he is by that offer. A small chuckle slips him, and he shakes his head in amusement.

“Do you not know me at all? He asks, the question rhetorical. “If you’re uncomfortable with me coming personally, I can send Dan.”

“That’s even worse,” I sigh. “How about we talk about it later? And if we’re spending New Year’s together, I’m assuming you’ll be in Saint Valley for Christmas?”

“Probably,” he nods. “Dahlia likes the holiday season, and she’ll likely insist we spend it together as a family. I also have a meeting around that time.”

“What kind of a meeting?”

“The new generations are supposed to take over the families,” he says, and I know he’s referring to the five founding families. “It’s a voting system.”

“That’s…” I pause, looking for the correct word. “Nice?”

“Obnoxious,” he corrects. “It’s a dinner party where all the members of the families will be gathered together, casting their votes anonymously, and then getting drunk. And, of course, it’s only after everyone’s drunk beyond words that the new people at the table will be announced.”

“Oh?” I blink. “That’s interesting. Who’re you voting for?”

“From each family?” He asks, and I nod. “Clyde Elsher, Abraxas Monroe, Celine Silvester, and, well… Artemis Hill.”

My eyes widen, brows lifting all the way to my hairline. I don’t even know these people, I’ve never even heard of them. But hearing that Colton will vote for Artemis catches me off guard.

From everything that I was able to gather about these families, the way they operate, and the responsibilities they have, not once did I peg Artemis as someone willing to step up for the task.

“Artemis?” I ask. “You’re voting for Artemis?”

“I know you said you didn’t want to know, and I’m not going to involve you, but… Artemis and I made a deal. If she could find who’s behind the robberies and the murder, I’d give her my vote.”

“Ah,” I nod, understanding. “She managed to do it. What exactly do you guys do at these meetings?”

“The heads of the families get together once every two months, or even less if nothing’s going on. It’s mainly discussions about budgets, security, improvement of our society, and such.”

“And only five of you are present during those meetings?”

“For now,” he says. “If one of us gets married, the spouse automatically gets access to the meetings and all the insights. Until then, it’s all very private.”

“Does that mean Kat used to frequent those with you?”

“No, because back then, my father was the head of the family. Besides, Kat was never interested in things like these.”

I swallow down the insecurities. He talks about her like he’s talking about an acquaintance, and not his ex-wife. It’s hard not to feel insecure when the woman in question is radiating so much power — and I have to wonder, could it just be envy and jealousy?

“Just out of curiosity,” I turn to look at him. “How much do you see of Kat?”

“She’s just my business partner,” he says, and I’m glad he’s being open about this. Because quite frankly, I’m surprised that I even gathered the courage to ask him in the first place. “When we do see each other, it’s usually in meetings. Kat’s personal assistant handles everything else, and I rarely see her.”

“Alright.”

Colton looks at me briefly, his brows narrowed. “If Kat’s presence is making you feel anything negative, I could have her buy my share of the company, and be done with it.”