Chapter 53

CILLIAN

“Ican’t believe they would even suggest such a thing. And did you hear them? They made it sound like they weren’t trying to steal your business out from under you,” I growled as I pushed through the side door and stepped out into the warm summer sun. Ciara was on my heels, and I could taste her irritation on my tongue.

Every ounce of happiness drained from me as we trudged to the river. It was the only place I could think of to go to have some privacy. I needed fresh air, and to get as far from my parents as possible. I wondered if they’d follow us out, but when I tested the cord that bound me to them, I knew they weren’t stupid enough to talk to me at the moment.

“Did you really not know what they were planning?” Ciara asked once we were out of earshot of the manor.

I whipped around and grabbed her by the arms. The question stung me, but it was justified. My head shook profusely from side to side. A small part of me was offended that she would ask me such a question after