The Billionaire's Christmas Revenge (Book 4)

Chapter 23

"I am so very lost without you. Nothing and no one will ever replace you. And it terrifies me." – Ranata Suzuki

Geneviève's POV.

"Are you ready for this Gen?" Stella asked once again for the fifth time that morning as worry creased her brows.

"I think it's overdue." I replied shrugging on the knitted sweater dress I had plucked out from my suitcase ignoring the baggy way it had fitted.

"Then I'll come with you." She stated bouncing of the bed to peer into the suitcase as she raised questioning eyes at me.

"I packed in a hurry." I said as a way of explanation as she rummaged through the folded items selecting a pair of black leggings and a button up shirt which she paired with her trendy boots and coat.

"We'll make a few stops on our way back home." She insisted as I locked the doors, "I don't think I can handle the sight of your sweater and yoga pants look any longer."

Despite myself a laugh escaped my throat as we took a taxi dreading the silent ride in anticipation and nerves as the car pulled up outside the imposing gate that suddenly felt like the outside of a prison wall.

Intertwining our fingers together, Stella gently squeezed my hand in reassurance as she entered the code into the padlock as the gate swung open.

"Welcome to hell." She muttered as I in-took a much needed breathe stepping into the foyer of the cold place I had once called home as I dusted the snow of off me.

"Geneviève! Stella!" Patricia greeted in overwhelming surprise as her warm motherly arms embraced us.

"You should have run when you had the chance sweetheart." Patricia said on a whisper as twin pairs of footsteps emerged.

"Well if it isn't the prodigal sisters." Father said distastefully as Patricia exited in a rush.

"Stella what are you doing here?" Mother asked of course ignoring me, "Nathaniel is due back any day now."

"Should I return home and strip awaiting his arrival to get my skin bruised once again Mother?" Stella coolly replied arching a delicate brow as father's face flushed in outrage and a gasp escaped Susan's Clementine otherwise neutral expression.

"Stella!" She admonished as her voice raised an octave.

"Are you two going to keep standing there like pizza deliverers or will you come in and have a seat so we can have a discussion like rational adults?" Father asked in his commanding tone.

Despite myself, we both followed them into the living room as terse silence stretched the open spacing.

"Did you just arrive home dear?" Mother asked directing her question to me.

"No." I replied as Stella looked on at me encouragingly.

"There where in God's name were you?" Father intercepted over the glass of his drink.

"I meant to ask you the same thing Father." I courageously replied, "Fifteen months ago."

"Excuse me!" He sputtered slamming down the tumbler against the glass table as my question clearly struck a nerve.

Although my mother and Stella jumped in response, I held my ground as I kept his steely gaze.

"I think you just answered my question." I replied.

"Did you really allow him to stupidly fill you head?" He asked picking back up the glass as he down the whiskey.

"Not stupidly...no" I responded after a deliberate pause, "But that's not what I came for." I carried on, "Where's the safe?"