Your Regret Isn't My Problem

Aunt Jessica shrieked, "Are you seriously going against the Leone family?"

I shrugged. "I'm protecting what's mine. You don't get to twist the rules."

Eric hovered nearby, scowling. "Lena, don't push it."

I laughed, sharp and cold. "You and Briana drag me through the mud, sic thugs on me, trash my parents' heirloom—and I'm the problem?"

I pulled a USB from my bag, dropped it on the table.

"Last night's surveillance footage. Everything you did—caught in 4K."

Eric's head snapped up, face going ghost-white. He hadn't counted on me finding the footage he tried to erase.

I added, "Touch me, and this goes to every media outlet. Let's see how long you keep up the act."

Silence.

Uncle Novah opened his mouth—nothing came out.

I stood, slid the transfer docs to Briana. I'd given her those shares after our parents died, thinking she had no one.

"Sign it. Or see me in court."

Her hand shook, eyes glossy. "Lena, we are sisters—"

"Don't. We're not sisters." My voice sliced through the room. "You don't deserve that title."

She bit her lip and signed.

I scooped up the docs and headed for the door.

Right as I stepped out, I heard the whispers behind me.

"That girl's completely out of control."

***

Back home, my phone lit up.

Unknown number.

"Ms. Leone, I'm Shelby Santoro's assistant. He'd like to meet for lunch tomorrow. Says it's important."

Shelby?

Yeah, right. Like that was actually him.

Still... I paused—then said yes.

Might as well see what game they were playing now.

That night, I showed up at the restaurant like we agreed. The private suite door swung open—and yeah, my blood went ice cold.

Of course it was them. Eric and Briana.

They were all smug, like predators waiting on their kill.

"Lena, you came," Briana said, all fake sweet. "Oops, I told Eric's assistant to pretend he was Shelby's."

Eric leaned back, smug as hell.

"You made Briana sign those compensation papers today. She's upset. Now it's your turn."

He slapped a thick stack of papers on the table.

"Sign it. Waives your rights to everything—shares, property, all of it."

I glanced at the title: [Voluntary Renunciation of Inheritance.]

Let out a short laugh. "So we're doing forced now?"

Eric's face dropped cold. "You'll find out soon enough."

He clapped once.

Huge guys stepped out from behind the screen wall—built like tanks.

I faked a shaky breath, legs wobbling.

"Briana, don't! What are you doing?!"

Briana laughed so hard she nearly choked. "Weren't you all tough earlier? Here's the deal—let me slap you a few times, and maybe I'll let you go. Cool?"

I stepped toward her. Slow. Calm.

Right as I got close, I slipped a knife from my sleeve and pressed it to her throat.

"Lena! Are you insane?!" Eric shot up, face white with fury.

I didn't flinch. "Move."