His smile vanished, replaced with a hard, sharp edge. “Because of your dirty little schemes. The family has already shown mercy by not pressing charges. Do not mistake our restraint for weakness.”
I laughed, bitter, sharp, and unrestrained. “Dirty schemes? Evidence? Or are you referring to those conveniently misinterpreted images?”
Celeste sauntered forward, heels clicking on the polished marble floor, her manicured finger jabbed toward my phone. “Isn’t the proof right there in your device? Who knows how many contacts you’ve hoarded? Step out of here, and who’s to say you won’t use them one by one to secure a new alliance?”
Before I could react, Mr. Webb lunged for my phone. My fingers brushed it—but then it was gone.
“Give it back!” I snapped.
Celeste snatched it with a triumphant smirk, retreating just enough to mock me fully. “Look at you, so nervous. Clearly, there’s more you don’t want anyone seeing.”