“Lim was informed of my demands.”
“You want half of Chang’s estate. Fine, you can have it. You want the manor? You can have that too, but I refuse to help you get a seat on the Council. I draw the line right there.”
“Then we don’t have a deal.”
“So, now what?”
“Now it’s time for me to go to the United States and beg my daughter for forgiveness.”
“You’re using your own child against me?”
“I’m using what leverage I have against you.”
“You do understand; the moment you step foot into her life, you put her in jeopardy especially if you want a seat on the Council?”
“I don’t see why it has to come to that.”
“You’re still that naïve little girl, but now you’re much more dangerous because you put your own daughter’s life at risk to be a part of an organization that you A, don’t have the stomach for and B, never wanted any part of.”
“Much has changed over the last fifteen years.”
“Nina, you do realize this puts us on opposite sides of the fence. If you insist on your demands, you’ll become an enemy to me.”
“I’m a stranger to you, Gina.”
“No. You were a sister that I loved dearly and held up as an example. A guiding light of the goodness that I thought was still possible even with Chang’s blood pumping through our veins. If you cross the line and become my enemy; I will cut you down without so much as an afterthought.”
“I figured you would resort to the baser elements of your nature. So, I’ve planned for that. I have several safe deposit boxes scattered throughout the United States. In the event, anything happens to me, or I should suddenly disappear, they are to be hand delivered to one Ms. Cecily Manchetti. She’ll learn the truth about everything.”
I shook my head. Not in disbelief but in the sheer madness of it all. How could she do this to her own child? Then again, how could Chang do what he did to us? I glanced up at the television then back to Nina. “I won’t fight you over everything you asked for. You’re entitled to half, so you should get half of Chang’s assets. I’ll even give you the Manor. Whatever familial connection we had, just understand, you’ve severed it. You’re a grown ass woman. The days of me thinking I need to protect you are over. So, if you want a seat on the Council of The Family, if I am installed as Chang’s replacement, I’ll work to get you a seat. You win. Just know whatever comes with sitting in that chair . . . you’re on your own.”
A satisfied grin appeared on her face. “Do you know how long I’ve waited to hear those words? To hear you say, ‘I won?’ ”
I stood up to leave. But before I left I just had one more thing to say as I burned her with my gaze. “That’s an interesting fireball on the news.”
Nina turned around only to see Xiou Manor burning to the ground.
“I hope you enjoy the spoils of your win.”
*****
When I made it back to the hospital, Brody was still in surgery. I couldn’t sit still and paced the waiting room anxiously waiting for word. There was zero point in trying to pray for him. Those prayers would never be heard considering everything I’d done up to and including today.
Speaking of that, Hahn sent me a text. It stated:
It’s done. Found out who was behind the games in the US and on the tarmac.
I responded back.
Who?
Hahn responded.
US…Zheng.
My fingers couldn’t type fast enough.
Did you call off the party at Ng’s?
Yes. No fireworks at his house.
Who was responsible for the tarmac?
Before Hahn replied, I looked up from my cell to see the physician walking out of the operating room followed by Jamal. Everyone who’d been waiting stood up a little straighter.
The looks in their eyes said everything I didn’t want to hear.
He took off his medical cap. “Ms. Lee-Xiou?”
I could barely get the words out, but I squared my shoulders preparing for the worst. “Yes?”
“We need to contact Mr. Windham’s next of kin.”
My eyes did something they hadn’t done since the night Laurette left Xiou Manor. They filled with water. When my cell phone buzzed, I looked down at the screen using it as an excuse to prevent anyone from seeing the tears well up in my eyes. I also saw the name of the person responsible.
Nina.
*****
MY DANGEROUS REFLECTION
By
Londyn Vasser
MY DANGEROUS REFLECTION © 2016 LaShawn Vasser writing as Londyn Vasser
All Rights Reserved
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead are entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
*EXPLICIT ADULT CONTENT*
WARNING
This novel is considered romantic fiction with erotic elements or erotica. This is for mature audiences only. This book contains adult profane language, mild violence, and strong sexual content.
Dedications & Acknowledgments
There are so many individuals who have helped me on this journey, and I would like to thank you for the support you’ve shown. Melissa Harrison—you are my SHERO. Tiffany Alston and Lisa Brown—you LADIES ROCK!
As always, I’d like to send a special thanks
