Chapter 52: Big Fish

Justin stirred awake, his body still heavy with exhaustion, but his mind slowly slipping back to awareness. The first thing he saw was Sasha, curled up beside him, her face turned slightly toward him, breathing soft and even. Peaceful. Untouched by the chaos of the world, at least in sleep.

He exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips as he reached out, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face. She barely stirred, just snuggling deeper into the warmth of the bed. Damn, she looked so at ease.

He almost felt bad for leaving. Almost.

Leaning in, he pressed a lazy kiss to her forehead, lingering just a second longer than necessary before slipping out of bed. The cold air met his skin immediately, making him roll his shoulders as he padded into the bathroom.

The bathroom was sleek, modern, and way too big for just one person—not that he was complaining. Everything was pristine, the kind of place meant for long, indulgent showers or the occasional ’stand in front of the mirror and rethink your life’ moment. Not today, though.

He just let the warm water run over him, washing away whatever lingering fatigue still clung to his muscles.

A few minutes later, he stepped out, steam trailing behind him as he made his way into his walk-in closet. This one was even bigger than the one in his old room—more space, more organization, more clothes he hadn’t even touched yet. He ran a hand through his damp hair, eyes flicking over the options before settling on something clean, effortless, and expensive.

A perfectly tailored black button-down—sleeves rolled up just a bit because, hell, he wasn’t trying too hard. Slim, well-fitted dark trousers, and sleek, polished shoes that looked like they cost more than most people’s rent.

No chains, no flashy jewelry, just a single, understated ring on his finger. It was enough.

By the time he stepped out, Sasha was awake, groggy as hell. She rubbed her eyes, blinking up at him in that half-conscious way before suddenly jolting upright.

"Shit, I gotta change!" she muttered, bolting toward her room before he could even smirk.

Yeah. That was Sasha for you.

Shaking his head, he made his way downstairs, where the others were already waiting.

*****

The kitchen was alive, the low hum of conversation and occasional laughter making the space feel even warmer. Laurent and Selena sat at the table, still chatting, still laughing, their moods too good to be ruined by anything. When Justin and Sasha walked in, both women glanced up—one eyeing them with amusement, the other with something bordering on motherly satisfaction.

One teenager looked like he was ready to take over the fucking world, while the other made sure he was always taken care of before he left the house looking clean as hell.

They all settled in. Dinner was served. Drinks poured. Selena had already inhaled her sushi and whatever else her heart desired, while Sasha, as expected, made sure Justin’s plate was filled before she even touched her own. The quiet clinking of utensils filled the air as they ate, comfortable in the familiarity of it all.

And then, naturally, Selena turned to Justin, resting her chin in her palm, eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"So... what’s the plan tonight with Claire?"

Justin didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he let the silence stretch, his gaze flicking briefly to his plate as if considering how much to actually say.

And then, with a casual shrug, he finally answered, "We’re catching a big fish."

That was it. No elaboration, no unnecessary details. Because the truth? He didn’t have any. All he knew was the location. The rest? That was Claire’s game to run. He was following her lead—for now.

Selena caught on instantly. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t press. Instead, she exhaled through her nose and leaned back, giving him a knowing look. "Alright. Just don’t overdo it. You’ve already done too much today, and you need rest."

Justin nodded, acknowledging the point but making no promises. Then, casually, he dropped the bomb.

"I’m making Claire the CEO of Black Veil."

Selena froze mid-bite, her fork hovering in the air as her brain processed that. Then, with a deep sigh, she slowly placed it down and rubbed her temple. "Yeah... I saw this coming."

She didn’t argue, though. Because realistically? There was no other choice.

He couldn’t be both chairman and CEO, not with school in the mix. Hell, even if school wasn’t in the picture, running Black Veil alone would be insane. He needed someone competent, someone with experience, someone he could trust. And Claire checked every damn box. And she’d been completely Snatched now.

Not only was she seasoned in the field, but her authority in Black Veil had skyrocketed even more than before since pledging her full loyalty to him. She was completely locked in now, and that meant he could hand her the reins without hesitation.

Of course, there was always Selena. But his aunt had refused to take charge of Black Veil. So Claire it was.

Selena got it. She nodded, picking up her fork again. "I’ll have everything prepared soon."

Justin gave a simple nod in return, and the conversation died down. They ate in comfortable silence, though Selena’s eyes flicked toward him every now and then, debating whether to ask the question lingering on her tongue.

When are you going back to school?

But she held back. One battle at a time.

Just as dinner was reaching its peak, the doorbell rang. A maid excused herself to get it.

Seconds later, Claire stood at the entrance.

In full fucking glory.

The subdued beauty!

Claire stepped inside, her presence commanding attention without her even trying. Confident strides, sharp gaze, that natural air of authority—it was just who she was. But tonight? She wasn’t just exuding power.

She was exuding dangerous allure.

Justin leaned back in his chair, a slow, approving smirk forming as he clapped his hands together. "Look who finally made it." His voice carried that teasing edge, but the gesture that followed was pure invitation—he stood, motioning for her to sit next to him. "C’mon, sit with me."

Claire arched a brow but didn’t hesitate. "Well, if you insist," she said, slipping into the seat he offered, her voice laced with amusement. "Thanks."

And yeah, she was dressed to kill.

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