Heirs Of Their Sins

Chapter 4 - Another Headline

After I found that ledger, I couldn’t breathe right. I stuffed the contract and photo back into the book like they were poison and slammed it shut, but the image of those signatures burned into my brain. Dad. Damian’s dad. And some faceless stranger who thought shades and a hat could hide him forever.

Project Revenant.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

I told myself to forget it. To let it go like I promised Violet. But even when I sat on my bed, lights off, I couldn’t. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. Every time I blinked I saw that faded picture.

I needed to get out.

That’s how I ended up at a club on a night I normally would’ve stayed home. I wasn’t the “party every weekend” type. Honestly, I wasn’t even the “party once a month” type. But after the day I’d had, the last thing I needed was to sit alone in silence with my thoughts.

The security outside didn’t even bother stopping me. Of course they didn’t. They knew my name. Fairchilds didn’t wait in line.

Inside, the bass shook the floor. Bodies swayed to the rhythm of the music and lights flashed in a frenzy. I headed straight past the crowd and into the VIP section.

At least up there no one would bump into me or try to drag me onto the dance floor.

I just wanted music, noise, and maybe the tiniest chance to drown out my head.

I sank into the booth and before the waiter could even speak I said, “Sparkling water. Extra ice. Please. I’ve had a day.”

He nodded and disappeared.

I leaned back, staring blankly at the dance floor below, when a voice I hated more than anything slid into my ear.

“Didn’t expect to see Sienna Fairchild in a club.”

I looked up. Damian. Of course. Sleeves rolled up, jacket slung over his shoulder and his shirt unbuttoned just enough to show off his stupid jawline. He looked unfairly good, and I hated myself for noticing.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my tone sharp enough to cut glass.

“Had a long day,” he said calmly, sliding into the booth opposite me like he owned it.

I ignored him, my brain still replaying the ledger, the signatures, the faceless man in the picture.

The waiter returned and Damian ordered vodka without even glancing at the menu. Then he leaned back, eyes on me.

“I don’t suppose you’re here because of the article.”

“No.” I exhaled, rubbing my temples. “I’ve been pushing myself too hard. Being a woman and a CEO isn’t as glamorous as people think. Especially when my own board members treat me like a child.”

The waiter brought our drinks. I grabbed mine instantly, the ice cold against my fingers. Damian barely touched his, just studied me with that annoying focus of his.

“You’re shaking,” he said.

My head snapped up. “What?”

He nodded toward my hands. I unclenched my fingers quickly, realizing how tense I was.

“You’re worried about something,” he pressed.

“I’m fine,” I said, a little too fast, my tone final.

He frowned. “No. You’re not.”

That caught me off guard. I didn’t expect him to notice. Or care. I mean—I hated him. God, I hated him. I wanted to throw my drink in his face. And yet here he was, calling me out, seeing me in a way I didn’t want to be seen.

I stared down at the bubbles in my glass, afraid to meet his eyes. His gaze felt heavy, like it could pull the truth out of me.

“You still haven’t told me why you’re here,” I muttered.

He leaned forward slightly. “To unwind. And…” his voice dropped, almost too soft to hear, “to apologize.”

My head shot up. “What?”

He cleared his throat but avoided my eyes. “I came to apologize.”

I blinked. “You came to apologize? You followed me here?”

He stiffened. “Don’t flatter yourself. I was going to leave a formal letter at your office. I just happened to see you come in, so I figured face-to-face would be better.”

I opened my mouth to reply, but then—

“Sienna?!”

The shrill voice sliced through the music like glass. My whole body tensed. Damian’s face hardened instantly.

I didn’t even need to turn. I knew who it was.

Evelyn.

She stormed toward the VIP section, her designer heels pounding the marble. Security moved to stop her, but her voice rang out:

“Let me through! I’m the fiancée of Damian Lexington!”

My stomach dropped. Phones were already out. People turned their heads and soon phones began to go up recording.

Damian stood fast, trying to intercept her before she reached me, but she shoved past him like he wasn’t even there. Her perfume hit the booth before she did.

“Damian, what the hell are you doing with this snake?” Evelyn spat, eyes blazing.

“I can explain—”

“Don’t bother.” Her glare snapped to me. Sharp. Accusing. “Of course. I should’ve known.”

I scoffed. “Excuse me?”

She sneered. “You’ve always wanted what was mine since high school. Stay the hell away from my fiancé.”

I laughed. Actually laughed. “You mean the other way around, right? I don’t want your fiancé.” I spat the word like it was toxic. “We met here by accident. He was apologizing—for your behavior, by the way.”

Her face twisted. “You’re pathetic.”

“Stop it, Evelyn.” Damian grabbed her arm. “You’re making a scene.”

She yanked away, eyes never leaving me. “Money really got you thinking you’re untouchable, huh? Without your daddy’s last name and credit card, you’re just another basic girl trying too hard to matter.”

The anger hit me like fire in my veins. I gripped my glass so tight it nearly shattered. My chest rose and fell too fast. People were staring now, whispering louder. Some had their phones up, recording every second.

Great. Another headline waiting to happen.

“I’m leaving,” I muttered, grabbing my purse and standing.

But Evelyn wasn’t done. She stepped in front of me, blocking the exit, eyes full of hate.

And that was it. The final straw.

I shoved her hard. She stumbled in her heels and nearly fell. Her pink cocktail spilled down her expensive dress. The same dress Damian had probably bought her.

Gasps echoed around us. Evelyn froze, staring down at the dripping fabric like it had personally insulted her existence. Then, without warning, her hand flew across my face.

The slap echoed so loud the music seemed to fade for a second.

My cheek stung, but my rage burned hotter.

Before I could even think, I slapped her back. Harder.

Phones shot higher into the air. Security rushed forward. Damian swore under his breath.

And as Evelyn lunged toward me again, her hair wild and her eyes murderous. I realized something.

Tomorrow’s headlines had just started writing themselves.