Page 29

Chapter 10

Rose

I sit here, not really following what’s going on, but I know the name Victor Langley means something from the way Spencer says it. It isn’t until I glance sideways at Bronson and see his ashen face that I realise precisely how significant it is.

“I’m sorry, mate,” Spencer says as he leans down and pulls a bound folder from his leather briefcase, sliding it across the tabletop. “You can understand why I wanted to tell you in person. When you’re ready, you’ll find everything you need to know in here.”

Bronson simply nods, still unable to formulate a response. I don’t know who this Victor guy is or what he means to Bronson, but I can see how deeply this has shaken him. I may still be mad at him, but I’m also empathetic, and I can’t sit here watching someone struggle without doing something.

Without thinking twice, I place my hand on his bouncing leg and give it a gentle, comforting squeeze. At first, he doesn’t react, but a few seconds later, his hand covers mine.

Our trip back to the office is just as quiet as the drive here, but this time it’s Bronson who’s lost in his thoughts. He hasn’t said a word since we left Aurelia. I glance at him a few times, tempted to ask if he’s okay, but I don’t want to intrude. Whatever happened with this Victor guy; it’s obvious the wounds run deep.

It’s not until we’re parked in the underground car park of our building that he finally speaks. “Don’t mention any of this to Violet,” he says, switching off the car.

“Okay,” I reply. “Did this Victor guy do something to your sister?” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I want to suck them back in, but it’s too late.

Bronson glances over at me, and the sadness in his eyes is palpable. “No. He’s the man who killed my father.”

My eyes widen so much that I’m surprised my eyeballs don’t roll out of my head and land in my lap. “Oh,” I say. “Violet told me your Dad was killed in a car accident. She doesn’t know he was murdered?”

His nostrils flare as he pushes his head back against the seat, closes his eyes and exhales slowly. “He wasn’t murdered, Rose. Violet was right when she said it was a car accident. His car lost control on a bend and careened over the ravine, but I know Dad did it intentionally. Nobody knows that but me. And you now, obviously.”

“Not even your mother?”

“No.”

“Did your father confide in you then?”

“Not exactly. I was only ten at the time. The day before the accident,” he says, making air quotes around the last word. “My father pulled me aside and handed me an envelope. He told me if anything ever happened to him, to make sure my mother got it. The next day he was gone. Fuck,” he murmurs as he drags his hand down his face.

“What was in the envelope?”

“His life insurance. The creditors were circling. We were about to lose it all. The insurance didn’t cover suicide, hence the accident. He did it so we wouldn’t lose the house. I would’ve lived on the fucking streets if I had to. We all would’ve if it meant he was still with us.”

“I’m sorry, Bronson.” I reach over the centre console and place my hand on his thigh. I don’t know what else to do. “Is Victor the man who stole your father’s company?”

Bronson’s gaze snaps to me. “How do you know that?”

“Violet told me that someone did your Dad dirty, and it’s why you do what you do. So others don’t suffer like your family did. For what it’s worth, I admire you for that.”

When we arrive back upstairs, Bronson says he doesn’t want to be disturbed before disappearing inside his office and closing the door.

It’s now 6 pm, and I should’ve left half an hour ago, but I’m still sitting at my desk. I was hoping he’d resurface as the office emptied out, but he hasn’t.

I pick up the receiver on my desk and press the intercom button. “Yes,” I hear him say a moment later.

“Is there anything I can get you before I go, Mr Kingsley?”

I hear him breathe out a sigh. “No, Rose.”

“Are you okay?” I ask because, right now, that’s my biggest worry.

“I will be.”

“Goodnight,” I say. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight,” he replies before hanging up.