Read Privilege 5 - Pure Sin for Free Online Page B

the license from its transparent casing. Mr. Jessup chuckled at her many attempts, which made her skin prickle. Then, finally, it slipped free. She handed it to him, held her breath, and waited.

    The man barely glanced at it. "Thank you," he said, handing it back to her.

    Ariana tucked the license away as her skin gradually returned to a normal temperature. It was fine. Everything was fine.

    "Sign here," Jessup said, turning the first page toward her.

    At first, Ariana's fingers were trembling so badly, she could hardly write Briana Leigh's name. But with each successive signature, her writing became more clear, more sure. She was worth millions. She had properties all over the world at her disposal. And within days, she'd have a car on campus. This was the single best day of her life.

    "And here . . . ," Jessup said, putting the last piece of paper in front of her.

    Ariana signed quickly, then clasped the pen in both hands over her heart, biting down on her lip in excitement. Slowly, Mr. Jessup slid the box toward her.

    "All of your parents' accounts are electronic, so I've brought you the passwords and account numbers. But your grandmother was old school. She liked to write everything down herself," Mr. Jessup said fondly. "I thought you might want to have her records."

    "Thank you," Ariana said, reaching for the first account book.

    She tried not to be too quick about it, lest she appear greedy and not properly mournful, but she did have to look. She simply had to. She opened the account to its last entry and stared at the balance. It read $756,905.32.

    "That's just her checkbook," Mr. Jessup said, almost apologetically. "The savings accounts, of course, are far more substantial."

    Ariana felt suddenly faint. Her mouth went dry, and she shakily placed the book down on the table. She was rich. Filthy, stinking, disgustingly rich. She could take this checkbook right now, walk out of here, and buy herself ten cars if she wanted to. Or a few boats. Or a freaking town house on Capitol Hill.

    "I think I'll take that water now, please," she said.

    "Of course."

    Mr. Jessup leaned forward and hit a button on a keypad at the center of the table. It let out a buzz. "Yes, Mr. Jessup?" a voice chirped.

    "Miss Covington is in need of some water, please, Cheryl," he said.

    "Right away, sir."

    Ariana cleared her throat, gripping the arms on her chair. She had to calm down. She had to stop freaking out and think clearly. What would Briana Leigh do right now? Her grandmother had just died. What would she say?

    "What about a funeral?" Ariana blurted suddenly.

    "Oh, there will be no funeral," Mr. Jessup said. "Y grandmother wanted everything to be very low-key. She's being cremated this morning, and

    our her ashes will be scattered at the ranch. Of course, you're more than welcome to come home and do that yourself if--"

    "No," Ariana said, as cool, comforting relief coursed through her veins and filled her lungs. "That's okay. I . . . I don't think I could handle that."

    Mr. Jessup smiled sympathetically. "I understand."

    The assistant walked in and placed a clear glass of water in front of Ariana. She grabbed it and took a ladylike sip. Then another. Then another. The whole while, she stared at the other three account books in the box, barely able to stop herself from tearing into them.

    "Well, I suppose our business is done here," Mr. Jessup said. He stood up and slipped a business card out of the inner pocket on his suit jacket and handed it to her. "Please feel free to call me if you have any questions."

    "Of course," Ariana said, standing as well.

    She barely looked at the card as she tucked it into her purse. Her mind was already rushing ahead to the insane shopping spree she was about to treat herself to. If only she were in New Y instead of DC. But she could go there whenever she wanted to. Now she could even go to Paris to

    ork shop. She had a place to stay, all her own. Suddenly Ariana wondered what the