lackwel

Ryan off whatever brooding he was wrapped up in. I didn't care. I had priorities,

pped in tissue paper like the treasures they were, and exactly as I envisioned them. Of course, it was worth a scream; they were perfect; every stit

s he stumbled out of his office. "Lizzy, what a

bout something important." I waved him off with a dismissive flick of my fingers and continued chec

nto his office. Typical. Let him sulk. I had no intenti

for the life I deserved. Ryan had always been the soft one, blinded by his do-gooder fantasies, too sent

son the politician had promised would be my ticket to influence, power, all that I craved. But a girl-useless. Pathetic. The politician had practically spit his rejection over the phone, cutting me off so fast I barely had time to com

story. Of course Ryan, I wouldn't say isn't rich, he'

my plans. But I was clever. I told everyone I was leaving for a "fashion program abroad," the perfect excuse to cover

urse, probably hoping for a bit of Blackwell cash if she caused enough of a scene. And who shoul

he sight of her. "We can't abandon her, Lizzy," he said, h

along with his ridiculous dream, hoping his fascination would wear off. But it never did. No, he insisted on adopting her

er out. But did Lyra ever make it easy? No, she clung to Ryan like a parasite, f

found out Ryan was in debt. The moment I realized what she could be used for, I was satisfied like no other. I fin

c. She was gone, and Blackwell was safe. And best of all, it was a solution that Ryan himself couldn't argue wit

still looked at me like I was the villain as if I had committed some great sin. A

on top. It was our rightful place, where we belonged, and I intended to show ev

l, powerful, and untouchable. I paid my dues, sacrificed my so-called "daughter," and clawed my way to the top of this city's social ladder. I

Ryan's voice was dreary as

arling. After all, we have a legacy to uphold, don't we?" I watched the flinch my words ha

the evening, Lizzy," he

im a sugary smile. "Let's." Because tonight was just the

n to the top again, I thought

proven what lengths