Tarnished Embers: A Dark Stepbrother Fairytale Retelling (Dark Retellings)

Clever little stepdaughter. I quietly move away from the French doors, heading towards the office, my eyes narrowed as I contemplate my next move. There’s a tightness in my chest, a churning of my stomach as I make my way along the hallway.

I’ve been at this game too long to be thwarted by a mere child, and I’ve too much to lose to let my boys go that easily. I vowed I would never be in a position of poverty again, and a promise to oneself is the most sacred. After all, all you can truly rely on is yourself.

Sitting down at the large, oak desk, I pull out my phone, find the contact I need, and hit call. My Louboutin-covered foot taps the wood floor impatiently as I wait for the call to connect.

“Good morning, Sentinel Security,” a chirpy voice greets on the other end of the line. A smile plasters on my face even though I’m the only one in the room. The mask never slips far.

“Ah, hello. It’s Mrs. Everly here. I’ve booked for some security to arrive tomorrow morning, but I’m going to need them to get here as soon as possible, please.”

“Of course, Mrs Everly. That won’t be a problem at all. Dan and his team will be with you within the next half hour.” The weight on my chest eases at her assurances.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Thank you so much, and can you remind them to come in the side entrance, please?” I can’t have that little bitch or the boys catching wind of my plans.

“Of course, Mrs Everly.”

“Many thanks. You have a good day now.”

Checkmate stepdaughter, honey.