Chapter 7

"All these years, everything you had in the Croft family was the best the world could offer. Even your socks were flown in from overseas. "You wanted to learn the violin, so I hired top instructors locally and abroad. You wanted the prettiest dresses, so I called in designers to make them just for you. For ten years, you had the best of everything." Gregory took a final drag from his cigarette before leaning forward and crushing it hard into the ashtray. When he looked up again, there was a faint smile on his lips, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Even a dog knows how to show gratitude. Can you honestly say the same of yourself, Blair?" A cold sweat broke out on Blair's forehead. She had thought about returning everything he had given her. But now that he laid it all out like this, she realized how impossible that would be. The blood drained from her face. Her usual clarity and quiet poise seemed to vanish, leaving only emptiness behind. "I'll pay you back. I promise. Just give me a little time." Those words snapped the last thread of control Gregory had been holding on to. His face darkened, and his breathing turned rough. So she really meant to cut him off completely? Not a chance! Just as he was about to lash out, the doorbell rang. He stood and went to answer it. The moment he saw who was standing outside, the anger in his eyes dulled slightly. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Beatrice flashed a bright, sweet smile and stepped into Gregory's arms, planting a light kiss on his cheek. "I brought my brother here to apologize to you and Blair." As she spoke, she shot Jedd a quick look. He picked up on it immediately. His expression shifted, settling into a perfect mix of guilt and regret. "Mr. Croft, I swear I was drunk. I didn't even recognize Ms. Montez. If I had, I wouldn't have dared to do such a thing!" Gregory's gaze stayed icy, his eyes narrowing as they swept over him. "Come in and talk." They saw Blair lying on the bed. Beatrice's brow twitched, her gaze flicking toward Blair with guarded suspicion. She scanned her carefully, only relaxing when she realized the marks she feared weren't there. Then, right in front of everyone, she slapped Jedd hard across the face. Her eyes turned red with fury as she yelled, "This is your fault! Do you even know what you've done to her? If you really touched Blair, I'd drag you to the police myself!" Beatrice dropped to her knees beside the bed, grasping Blair's hand as tears streamed down her face. "Blair, I'm so sorry. If you want to blame someone, blame me. Or hit me a few times if it makes you feel better!" Blair watched her performance with a cold, numb feeling. She was tired of it all and simply pulled her hand away. None of this mattered anymore. Since she had no connection to Gregory anymore and would be leaving soon anyway, there was no point in playing nice with any of them. "Whatever he did, let the police handle it." The meaning behind her words was clear; she wasn't settling. What Jedd had done constituted sexual assault, and she wouldn't let it slide. Jedd's teeth clenched with hatred. If Gregory weren't here, he would have taught this bitch a proper lesson. Blair looked directly at Gregory with clear eyes, holding onto one last thread of hope. "You won't help them, will you?" If Gregory sided with them in this matter, Blair could fight until her dying breath, and it still wouldn't hurt Jedd in the slightest. Before Gregory could speak, Beatrice threw herself at his feet, her nose red as she clutched his hands helplessly. "Greg, Blair's right. My brother did hurt her, but he knows he was wrong. I'm begging you. Please give him one chance. Just one..." As her voice trailed off, Beatrice's body went limp, and her eyes rolled back as she fainted. Gregory caught her quickly, clearly panicked. He swept her up in his arms and headed for the door with Jedd following behind, leaving Blair completely forgotten. Blair sat there for a moment, then let out a hollow laugh. She stood, quietly packed her things, and walked out. … Charlotte was limping across the hallway in the hospital. Her temper flared the moment she saw Gregory, and she raised her crutch to strike him. Gregory's eyes turned cold as he easily blocked her attack. "Gregory, are you insane? It's bad enough that you didn't stand by Blair's side, but you actually helped the person who hurt her escape punishment. What kind of person are you?" Charlotte had learned from a friend that Jedd got off scot-free, and she knew Gregory must have pulled strings behind the scenes. Gregory loosened his tie and said flatly, "I have my own plans for this matter. No one would bully her as long as I'm around!" Charlotte laughed as if she'd heard the most ridiculous joke. "You're unbelievable! Wasn't every bit of suffering Blair has endured these past few days because of you? Or do you think she should be grateful that you've been good to her?" Gregory looked down and asked quietly, "Then, what do you think I should do for her?" He straightened his posture, abandoning his usual casual demeanor. Too tired for more pointless conversation, he handed Charlotte a card. "Tell her to behave herself during this time and stop throwing childish tantrums. I'll bring her home soon." Charlotte's chest heaved violently, her breathing labored with anger. She didn't take his card. Instead, she laughed mockingly. "You're generous, but you still don't get it. When Blair says she's done with you, she means it." Charlotte glanced toward the hospital room. "Keep that money for your precious girlfriend. And honestly, you have terrible taste!" "Are you finished? You can leave now." His gaze swept over her injured leg. "Or do you need help?" Charlotte was seething, and her rage nearly made her reveal the secret she'd been keeping. "Aren't you afraid Blair will leave for good?"