And the consequences of a breach?
Ha.
Just thinking about it was entertaining.
One hour left. I called the family chauffeur.
"Come pick me up after midnight."
Giles was leaning against the doorframe. He raised an eyebrow.
"Found your next meal ticket already?"
I smiled.
"We've broken up. Why are you still so interested in my business?"
He scoffed.
"Number Twelve, don't flatter yourself."
"And remember, don't go dropping my name out there. I'm about to blow up. Don't try riding my coattails."
I smiled and said nothing.
Midnight arrived in the blink of an eye. I sent my father a message.
Dad, the one-year pact is up.
He sent back a thumbs-up emoji.
Good girl. Tomorrow I'll announce that you're the successor to the Gilbert Group.
I let out a long breath, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I truly smiled.
I checked the location the chauffeur had sent me. Ten minutes out.
I carried my luggage to the living room. Most of it was headed for the dumpster, honestly, but I wasn't about to leave anything behind for Giles and Lissa to ruin.
Then a notification popped up on my phone. An alert from someone I followed.
Giles had actually done it. Right on the dot, he'd gone public.
@Lissa Perry, here's to the rest of our lives together.
Lissa replied almost instantly.
@Giles Weiss, here's to the rest of our lives.
The comments section flooded with friends of theirs.
"Oh my God, it's official! Are you two getting married?"
"Giles is finally marrying his dream girl! Congrats, man!"
Giles and Lissa exchanged a blissful look, then leaned in and kissed each other right in front of me.
Three seconds later, his phone rang.
I glanced at the name flashing on the screen.
There it was.
The death knell. It had finally arrived.
