Chapter 76 Chapter 76
“I called this family gathering because in our family there is a crisis. This unfilial and ungrateful daughter of mine has been engaging in disgusting acts that will damage the reputation of the Rhyland name,” my father said, and I heard the gasps.
“Now. Our family does not contain only myself, my wife, and my children; we are not the only Rhylands, and it will and can affect you all.” My mother said,
“Dad, please,” Avani said.
“What did she do?” My uncle Damon asked.
“The second she returned from France, she had been adamant and looking for prospective brides for Zaiel. We came to the understanding that she is pregnant for an unknown individual and wished to have the child, hence forcing Zaiel to marry.” Dad said, and the gasps were louder, some clutching their chests.
“To save face for the family, Zaiel asked a friend, a young lady, to marry him. Both my wife and I were present. She agreed after we explained, and she owed Zaiel a favor; however, this disgusting child refused to acknowledge that marriage and wished that he would divorce her.” Dad said.
“Ungrateful. You have brought shame on this family.” My aunt said,
“This will ruin the family name,” someone else said.
“Zaiel, it is your decision,” my mother said, looking at me.
“The divorce papers have already been sent to her; she will sign it. I will make it clear. I never had any intention of getting married ever, and because Avani is my sister, I asked a very good friend and woman to do me that favor. But now. Once this divorce happens. Hannah will never get married because I WILL NEVER REMARRY,” I said, and they all just stared at me.
“I have no problem with that. I don't want to marry ever,” Hannah said from the back of the room.
“Very well then. Your son and daughter have their intentions clear, Anthony. What do you intend to do about Avani?” My uncle asked.
“As of this moment, Avani Rhyland is no longer a part of the Rusland family. She will be given a large sum and will leave. It will be made public. If anyone disagrees, please answer now,” my father said.
The room was silent; no one said anything, which meant they agreed.
“Very well. Jasper, take her out and give her the documents. Contact the media and deliver the prepared video. In the meantime, let us have dinner,” my father said.
During dinner the conversation continued as if we hadn't just disowned someone. After dinner, we said goodbye to the family. Before I left, I told them I would have someone keep an eye on her. When I woke up the next morning, I felt drained. I grabbed my phone and saw there were over fifty notifications, most of them from news outlets and from the PR team. I had already told them to confirm the news.
One and a half months since I walked away from her. I kept count. I was leaving a meeting when Joe stepped out of the elevator and saw me. I nodded for him to head in. I said goodbye to Peters and headed straight to my office. When I walked in, Joe handed me the tablet. It was an article.
“THE FREDERICKSBURG STANDARD-RADIO POST | CRIME & JUSTICE
Overdose Death at Notorious "Drug House" Confirmed by ME
By: Garrett Miller, News Editor Friday, December 20, 2025
FREDERICKSBURG — The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office has officially closed the investigation into the death of 34-year-old Caroline Rusland, whose body was discovered earlier this week in a residence known to local law enforcement as a hub for narcotics activity.
The discovery was made Tuesday afternoon after a U.S. Postal Service worker reported a pungent, decaying odor coming from the home on Post Oak Road. Deputies forced entry and found Ms. Rusland deceased in the living area. Officials estimate she had been dead for at least three to four days.
Ms. Rusland was a familiar face to local authorities, with a rap sheet including a high-profile arrest last year for possession with intent to distribute. Neighbors had frequently complained about the "revolving door" of known addicts and suspicious traffic at the property.
"It was a trap house, plain and simple," said one resident who lived three doors down. "We’ve been trying to get her out of this place. It’s a shame it ended like this, but nobody around here is surprised. Thankfully those kids were removed from her care."
The medical examiner’s report, released Friday, attributed the death to an accidental substance overdose. Despite the house’s reputation for violence and drug deals, investigators found no evidence of foul play or a struggle, suggesting that while many people frequented the home, Ms. Rusland was alone when she died.
The property remains boarded up today, a grim reminder of the opioid crisis hitting home in the Hill Country.
I looked at Joe. “Joe…” I didn't know how to ask it.
“I don't think she would, but she has gotten clever in keeping her tracks hidden,” he said.
“Well, if it was her, the local police ruled it as an overdose, and she is in the clear, but she is escalating.” I was worried about her.
“Boss, it’s not my place to say, but… She suffered, and knowing that they took turns living with her and hurting her made something in her break. Like they say, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. “She needs to do this,” he said, picking up the tablet and walking out.
Would she really go this far? Who was I fucking kidding? I killed those two sick fucks for her, and I would have gladly killed Rusland and that sick fuck's offspring. I grabbed my phone and dialed Joe.
“Boss?” he said.
“She’s going after Barker next. She’s cleaning house. She’s going to go after Clayton next; if anything, she is already after him. Have someone find him and keep him in the warehouse. If they run into anyone that is also after him, it will likely be her. Let them get him, but don’t hurt her,” I said, making it clear.
“On it, Boss.”
“Also, how is Jax?” I asked.
“He should be in tomorrow, fully recovered,” he replied.
“Okay”
I ended the call and sat there. Tessa was going off the deep end. Shit, I forgot to ask about the divorce papers. When Rob went, he didn't find her; he left it with one of her friends. Her house was destroyed, so where was she? I know she had money. She was hiding from me but still in plain sight.
Tessa
I sat in the metal chair and was reading the newspaper. Of course it was ruled as an overdose; what else would they find? After that first rose, she was shaken up and left and drove back to Georgetown, and I was right behind her. She went to my place, but it was just a pile of rubble. I left her there sitting watching my house and went back to her house and let myself in.