Undressed By His Arrogance-Chapter 286: That’s My Girl

Winn stepped closer. He held her gaze. The strategist, the lover, the protector collapsed into one man standing in front of her, offering certainty in a world built on lies.

"I guess I better give the world a show then." Ivy smiled.

Winn winked. "That’s my girl."

*****

Joey stood at the entrance to the Emperor’s Room, hesitating going inside. But he really wanted to hear what Tom had to say. Tom might be a despicable human being, but maybe he would have more detailed information about what happened to his wife.

Joey’s hands curled into fists in his coat pockets as he stared at the entrance.

It had been two weeks since Winn had told him the truth behind the death of his wife, two weeks since he had quit House of Kane, two weeks of unending questions from detectives who kept asking questions concerning Diane’s death since they got a file from an anonymous source containing details surrounding her death.

Time had lost its shape since then. Days blurred together, nights stretched endlessly. Joey hadn’t slept properly in weeks; when he did, Diane haunted him. Quitting House of Kane had been easy. Living with the truth hadn’t.

Of course, he was treated as an accomplice considering he was Sylvia’s ex. It was their job to be distrusting but it still stung.

Joey understood procedure. He understood suspicion. But understanding didn’t make it hurt less when strangers reduced his life to bullet points and motives. Being Sylvia’s ex wasn’t a crime—but it felt like one the way they said it.

He gave his name at the entrance and who he came to see. The bouncers allowed him in instantly, leading him to where Tom was waiting.

"Mr Kane." Joey said, still standing.

Tom sat in the booth, drink untouched in front of him. He looked up slowly, a thin smile curving his lips as if he’d been expecting Joey all night. Joey didn’t return the smile. He stayed on his feet, hands relaxed at his sides but ready, every instinct warning him not to get comfortable.

"Joey...please...sit." Tom said gesturing lazily to the seat opposite him.

Joey took a seat. "I’d like you to go straight to the point. You said you had information on Diane’s death."

Saying her name still hurt. His gaze stayed locked on Tom’s face, daring him to play games.

"Yes, yes I do. And may I congratulate you on finally freeing yourself from under Winn’s shadow."

Tom leaned back, steepling his fingers, tone falsely congratulatory.

"Cut the crap Tom. Get to it." Joey said.

"Do you know how long Winn has known about Diane’s death?"

Tom watched closely for a reaction, eyes gleaming with calculated interest. This was a wedge being carefully positioned.

"Why should I care how long?" Joey scoffed. He crossed his arms, posture defensive now.

"I’m just trying to let you know that you do not have a friend in Winn. I told Winn the details of Diane’s death weeks ago but he only waited until Sylvia was dead to tell you. That’s because he thinks I have something to do with it not because he cares about you." Tom said.

He watched Joey carefully, measuring the impact, ready to press harder.

"And did you have something to do with Diane’s death?" Joey asked.

"No. I know you believe I am the devil and you are probably right. But I had nothing to do with it. Look, all I want is to bury my daughter. I want the investigation closed as quickly as possible so I can lay Sylvia to rest."

"So what do you want from me? I have no control over the investigation. Hell, the detectives think I am an accomplice." Joey said.

Bitterness crept into his tone despite his effort to keep it level. "Trust me, I’m the last guy you want pulling strings."

"Why don’t you turn the spotlight in Winn’s direction?"

Tom delivered the suggestion casually. This was the move Tom had come for. This was the knife.

"You still have the same problem. The investigation is still not going to end as quickly as you want it." Joey frowned. "You think dragging Winn into this speeds things up?" His brows knit together as he studied Tom, suspicion deepening.

"It will. I believe there is no way in hell Sylvia made a move without telling Winn. When I told him, he wasn’t surprised. Winn would do anything for his sister. Even help her get you back." Tom explained.

"Think about it," his posture urged. "You know them. You know how loyal he is."

Joey fell silent. Winn’s face flashed through his mind. Loyalty had always been Winn’s defining trait.

He got to his feet. "I’ll pass, Mr Kane. I don’t want anything to do with your family. Have a good night."

"Joey, I think you should think about it. Who takes over House of Kane when Winn is out of the picture. You still have the highest stakes in the company even though you quit. You get justice for Diane and you become the new Winn Kane."

He spoke as if he were offering a gift. It was tempting in the way all dangerous things were.

Joey shook his head and walked out.

He drew in a deep breath, hands trembling just enough to betray him. Whatever Tom was selling, Joey knew one thing with brutal clarity—becoming another Kane wouldn’t bring Diane back.

*****

Winn opened the door to his best friend a few days later. Joey leaned with his arm on the wall, glaring at Winn. "You are an asshole." Joey said.

Winn took one look at Joey’s face and knew. Joey looked wrecked, eyes shadowed, jaw tight, posture aggressive.

"I agree." Winn said.

"Sylvia had nothing to do with Diane’s death, did she?" Joey’s eyes searched Winn’s face mercilessly, years of friendship demanding honesty.

"I wouldn’t say nothing." Winn exhaled slowly, choosing his words with care. "She wasn’t innocent," he added quietly.

"Tom did it, didn’t he?" Joey asked.

"I’m guessing he spoke to you."

(This is to 400 power stones. I may be napping when it hits 400. Lets see if we can make 600 before the week is done.)