“Bro. Have you ever wondered why old Quinn left that villa under yourname? Natalie wasn’t even a minor when you took her under your wing! See thatpicture frame in your study taken during Natalie’s high school graduation?”
Ashton says.
Wincing, I look around, suspicious that there might be surveillance cameras in the room. Ashton’s familiar snickering pulls my attention back.
“Gray’s done a little digging on your woman.”
A little?
The word seems absurd, knowing that this brother of mine wouldn’t hesitate to leave a large crevice on the earth’s crust to find whatever information he needs.
Gray is a freak when it comes to sleuthing, making him one of the top agents of Interpol. He enjoys things that most people would run like hell from, like putting his life in danger in war zones and digging for evidence against some of the most dangerous people in the world. If I didn’t know him better, I’d consider him a lunatic.
My woman…
My mouth curls. That doesn’t sound so bad.
“Spit it out.”
The men laugh over the line and cut off the call. Frowning, I grip the phone while eyeing the frame again. With growing suspicion, I drop the gadget and examine the photo with my hands tinkering with the locks on the back.
Removing the back cover, I find folded pieces of paper that have turned brown over the years.
I squint.
There are two pages. One filled with the familiar sophisticated cursive handwriting of my grandfather. And the other, with Benedict’s.
I scan through the words, feeling conflicted over whether I should be happy or offended .
Natalie and I were betrothed all along.
Those old men and their tricks…to think that I’ve tortured myself countlessnights, torn over our relationship! Jesus!
Chapter 19
NATALIE
O ne year and two months after the collapse incident, the business center
finally rose, collectively gathering the interest of the citizens of Tucson.
After putting Mason behind bars, the project carried on as planned, and those senior executives who showed me disdain retreated with their tails tucked. At one point, I thought those cunning old men were behind Mason’s crimes, but I found out later that Arthur had shown his full support to me.
It’s strange.
I hadn’t expected I’d get his approval so soon.
“Earth to Natalie.”
Kelsi’s melodious voice passes my ear, jolting me in surprise. She eyes me playfully as she sips from her goblet. She looks beautiful in her black velvet halter dress that outlines her curves, exposing her healthy bosom and striking collarbones. Her dark brown hair is styled into a side bun adorned with tiny rhinestones that glimmer under the lights. If I were a man, I’d be falling all over her.
“What’s with that stare?” she questions.
“I’d marry you if I could, you know that, right?” I say in between soft chuckles.
We’re at the handover banquet, and all the influential people in business and politics in Tucson are here to celebrate with us. Prospect investors and business partners of Quinn Industries and Lewis Corporation are present as well. In addition, Arthur hired a few celebrities to appear to stir publicity for the celebration.
“Apologies my friend, I am very straight.”
I click my tongue and fake a glare.
“Besides, it’s hard to compete with a man like yours. If you may excuse me,”
Kelsi whispers as her eyes squint in one direction.
Pivoting, I see Derik approaching with William in tow. He looks especially attractive in his black tux with a dark grey vest that accentuates his gray eyes.
His dark hair is styled into a textured brush-up, giving a strong authoritative vibe that complements his sharp features. His jaw is clenched as he scans me from head to toe then back up, sending chills of anticipation down my spine.
I bite my lips, feeling as though my heart is stuck in my throat.
When our eyes lock, I break into a smile, seeing the longing in his.
“You’re here!” I chirp when he stops to stand next to me.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” he breathes, his hands slithering around my waist. His magnetic voice is low and hoarse. “Not when you’re dressed like this.” He raises his brow.
Feeling scorched by his touch, I nonchalantly sip champagne from my goblet to feign calmness.
