Wild Violet (The Vi Trilogy of The Gilded Flower Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

he’ll want to move to Dubai to practice medicine? Has his family asked him what he wants?”
    Her father leans forward. “His mother believes him to be a good and dutiful son. He has given no indication that he would do otherwise.”
    Vi traces the ring of water left by her glass. “When do I have to give you my decision?”
    “What do you mean, Violet? There is no decision to make. These are the conditions of your trust.”
    “You think you own me because I have your name and you give me money?” Vi is incredulous. “I have asked for none of it. You dangle money like some carrot, as if I’ll come running just for another hundred grand or so. Well, Father, I’m not that cheap.”
    Her father clears his throat. “No, Violet, you are not cheap, although I think all the men you’ve had in and out of your apartment might argue differently.”
    Vi stands up, unable to control her temper. He grabs her wrist and says firmly, “Sit down, young lady.”
    Vi does as she’s told and looks past him. In her mind, she quickly calculates her expenses and assesses her options. Could she live without his money?
    “You’ve had plenty of time to live this life of yours. I let you run wild in this city like a tramp. Your mother assures me that it’s a phase.” Then he points his finger at her so she’s forced to look at him, “I’m not convinced. You’re smarter than your mother, but you also have her fire. I think, perhaps you will waste your potential.”
    “That was never going to happen.”
    Her father shrugs and checks the time on his watch. “Maybe not. But I’m not willing to take that gamble with you and watch you piss away my money living like a entitled trust fund kid in this city.”
    “Isn’t that what your legitimate children do?” Vi retorts.
    “Watch your tongue, Violet. I was lucky to marry off my daughters. They are not as beautiful as you, but they’re at least smart enough to listen to me. I secured them good husbands. They are well cared for.”
    “So you reward them like your pets.”
    “I will take no more of your disrespect, Violet.”
    “Fine, then I’ll leave.”
    “You will do no such thing until I finish.”
    “Oh, there’s more? Lucky me,” Vi replies sarcastically.
    “All this talk about exploring your options. I think it’s time you learn what that’s about.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “For the next year, you will live on an allowance. Five thousand dollars a month. Henceforth, you will not receive any interest from your trust.”
    Vi’s jaw drops. “Why would you do that? You can’t just show up and pull the rug out from under me. I haven’t done anything to deserve this. I’m still in university.”
    Her father nods. “You talk like an American student, all this idealism about finding your passion. You’re too comfortable. I’ve ensured that your tuition is paid for, and you will send your rent bill to my accountant. Of course your housing will be covered. No child of mine should be without proper accommodations.”
    “But I have a home.”
    “That home, is mine. Your entire life is paid for by me, Violet, which is something you have taken for granted. So now you can go live like other students, and maybe then you’ll see how good you have it, thanks to me.”
    Vi fights back the screams that threaten to erupt. Her throat is dry. Suddenly she feels anchorless, untethered. What is she going to do now?
    “It’s just about time for dinner. Shall we go?” Her father asks casually, as if he hadn’t just ripped her entire life apart in the past thirty minutes.

Chapter 14
    “Hey, why haven’t you responded to any of my texts?” Andrés asks when Vi opens her door. He crosses the threshold and kisses her cheek.
    Vi shuts the door behind him and heads to her room to crawl under the covers.
    “What the hell is going on?” He asks, taking in the scene of half-packed suitcases and clothes lying around.
    “I’m packing.”
    “I can see that,” he chuckles.