Chapter 23
Jason’s greatest fear had been that Peterson’s photos might have backups somewhere–that his “friends” might have copies of Kelsey’s intimate moments.
Even if they never made it online, the thought of those disgusting guys looking at Kelsey had driven him to blind rage.
Learning the photos were fake brought him immense relief. Peterson had simply been better at photoshop than the previous guy. In his frenzied state while deleting files, Jason hadn’t even noticed they were manipulated images.
His father stared at him, speechless with fury at his son’s reaction.
“I don’t know how I raised such a disappointment,” he finally said coldly. “You’re nothing compared to your brother.”
Jason’s expression changed instantly.
Everyone believed Jason was the only Stan child, the sole heir to the family fortune. But Jason knew the truth–his father had a mistress and another son.
This half–brother, a few years younger than Jason, was already enrolled in a prestigious university abroad, excelling academically and socially.
Until now, since Jason was the legitimate son, his half–brother couldn’t inherit–regardless of his achievements.
But circumstances had changed dramatically.
“I was prepared to make you the sole heir out of respect for your mother,” his father continued coldly. “But the Stan name cannot be represented by a murderer. I also owe the Peterson family answers.”
“I’ve decided to legally recognize your brother and name him as the Stan family heir.”
Jason’s face went pale.
He understood immediately–he was being cast aside.
His father looked at him and finally sighed.
“You’re still my son. I’ll establish a trust fund to ensure you never want for basic necessities. But don’t expect anything beyond that.”
Chapter 23
With those parting words, his father left without looking back.
Time passed quickly.
In London, Kelsey’s life settled into a comfortable routine.
She soon noticed that Jason had stopped coming to see her.
This didn’t surprise her. Jason had always been a playboy, in her estimation. His pursuit of her had likely been the novelty of being rejected, the challenge of winning back someone who had left him.
Once the novelty wore off, or he found a new target, he naturally lost interest in pursuing her.
Kelsey felt nothing about this development.
She focused on her studies, graduated with distinction from the Royal Ballet School, and surprised everyone by accepting an offer to return to the United States. The New York City Ballet had been aggressively recruiting her, impressed by her performances in London. At just twenty–four, she became one of the youngest principal dancers in the company’s history.
Her career soared to extraordinary heights. Critics praised her technical precision and emotional depth, calling her “America’s new prima ballerina.” She represented the United States in performances across Europe, Asia, and South America, becoming the face of American ballet on the international stage.
A decade passed.
Jason was finally released from prison.
“Stay out of trouble now,” the guard said, tossing him his personal effects.
Jason looked down at the small box containing the items he’d had with him when he was arrested. Inside was a diamond necklace–the one he’d given Kelsey that she had thrown in the trash. He’d paid the janitor a small fortune to get it back and had kept it with him ever since.
He’d been on his way to see Kelsey when he was arrested, which explained the other items–snacks and a small stuffed animal. The food had long since been discarded, but the toy remained.
These items had survived the passage of time, though Jason himself had changed completely.
He wondered how Kelsey was doing now.
In a daze, Jason climbed into the waiting car.
“Shall we head home, sir?” the driver asked.
“No,” Jason replied quietly. “Take me to my apartment instead.”
Chapter 23
During his years in prison, his father had visited him only a handful of times. He knew his half–brother had been officially welcomed into the family and now lived in the Stan mansion.
There was no place for him in the family home anymore, nothing to return to.
As the car merged onto the highway, Jason glanced out the window at a passing billboard, and suddenly froze in place.
There on the massive display was Kelsey Harbour–ethereal in a white tutu, caught mid–leap with impossible grace. Below the image, elegant script announced: “New York City Ballet presents: Swan Lake, featuring Principal Dancer Kelsey Harbour.”
“Wait, stop the car!” Jason exclaimed.
