Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
D.D. Black
Read between
December 3 - December 8, 2025
The DQ was his private metric, a blend of factors he meticulously observed: the subtlety of a guest’s attire, their tone when addressing staff, the balance of their generosity against their vanity, and the ease with which they navigated social situations. To Geoffrey, it was a measure of true class—something
Helene Marquez was a fabulously wealthy businesswoman and also the ex-wife of Vincent Blackwood.
placed a hand gently on Margaret’s belly. “You’re sure this snake oil won’t affect the baby?”
They’d found out only yesterday that Margaret was pregnant. This was Fitz’s new life. Margaret’s eyes softened, and she rested her hand over his. “It’s for the baby,” she said quietly. “To help make them as smart as you.”
“Let me remind you, I’m not the only one with a past, Sonya.” Tears slipped down Suzanne’s cheeks. “Vincent was also married before me. Look through his life before you start swatting at the cobwebs in mine.”
Hailey, around twenty-two, stood framed in the doorway, her style a curious blend of ‘60s hippie and ‘70s punk. Her wavy, unkempt hair fell around her shoulders. She wore a loose tie-dye shirt tucked into ripped black jeans, paired with well-worn combat boots.
“Look, lady, I didn’t kill my father. It’s bad enough I have to deal with Suzanne’s AI dogs, and now she’s sicced the FBI on me? That utter bitch!”
“I’m getting my degree in Interactive Social Justice Dynamics and Ludonarrative Dismantling.”
“Those who control gaming are the new shepherds, and we haven’t realized yet that we’re their sheep. I want to dismantle their narratives and give a platform to gamebuilders who are leading people toward the good.”
Claire’s expression hardened. “I think you do care. You wouldn’t be this defensive if you didn’t.”
If you want us to believe you’re not involved, maybe stop trying so hard to throw us off.”
He was controlling and arrogant, and yeah, he pissed off a lot of people. Ask me, it was probably one of his business associates who killed my father.”
Vincent was brilliant, and he built something extraordinary. I didn’t envy him. I was happy to help however I could.”
“I found out this morning that he actually did it—cut me out of everything. Fully. The lawyers said Suzanne convinced him. She’s the reason. She told him I didn’t deserve a dime and that I wasn’t serious about my life. She made sure I got nothing. Not even my allowance anymore. They were gonna cover the rest of the college, then cut me off.”
“She’s… troubled,” Suzanne said, choosing her words carefully. “She has issues with drugs, and Vincent and I agreed that giving her millions
of dollars would only enable her.
I’d hate for Hailey to suffer more than she already has.”
Retired FBI Agent Diego Vega Killed in Car Bombing Outside San Diego Apartment Complex The ground felt like it had shifted beneath her feet.
Diego Vega, the man she was here to meet, was gone.
