“He called it influencing behavior.” Fordham sounded like he’d swallowed nasty medicine.
“So, Carina’s in league with my father.” Branson’s fury smoldered beneath the surface.
“More likely,” Fordham said, “she’s under his influence.”
“Why didn’t he do the same to you?”
“Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has a skeleton in the closet. There’s a lot to be said for integrity.” Fordham paused before speaking again, this time with uncharacteristic emotion. “That’s how I raised you, Branson. You’ve made me proud.”
Though he knew in his heart Fordham loved him, Bran had never received such direct verbal affirmation before. He could hardly speak around the lump in his throat.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better father.”
“I only wish your father could see you for who you are,” Fordham murmured. “He’s far more blind than you will ever be.”
With worries about Carina, his father, Johnson, and Escapade Resorts jamming the circuits in his brain, Branson couldn’t concentrate. He closed his laptop. The backlog of emails would have to wait.
Anticipating a good long workout, he headed to his suite and changed clothes. When he stepped into the hallway and turned toward his private gym, he heard something—a quick intake of breath.
He froze, listening. “Who’s there?”
Silence.
“I know you’re there. Who is it?”
A slight rustling noise. Or was it his imagination? I’m getting paranoid.
“This hallway’s monitored with security cameras. We have your face recorded already. One phone call, and you’ll be in jail.” It was a bluff, but a plausible one.
He heard a sniff. Then a small, trembly voice said, “I’m sorry. Please don’t send me to jail.”
“Ellie?”
“Yes.” She sniffed again. “I didn’t mean to come here. I got lost.”
“Why aren’t you at school?”
“Mommy said I could stay home today, on account of we’re moving tomorrow.”
His throat constricted. He had no idea Steph would move out that fast. He’d hoped he had time to convince her to stay. How could she afford it? How would she take care of Ellie?
“Are you going to call the police?”
“I won’t.” He gave her what he hoped was a pleasant smile, to soothe her nerves. “Want me to show you the way back to your rooms?”
“No, not yet. Mom told me not to come back for an hour.”
“Why not?”
“Because, she’s talking to my dad.”
She wants an hour alone with her ex? Inside my estate? I don’t think so.
“How did you find me?”
Stephanie stood, gripping the back of the chair, to hide her trembling fingers from Jeff’s sharp eyes.
“Someone told me where you were and what you’re up to. What’s the matter, baby? You act like you aren’t happy to see me.”
“Why are you here?” She mustered all the bravado she could find. “And don’t tell me you’re here to see Ellie. You don’t even believe she’s your daughter.”
“I miss you, sweetie. Thought maybe you miss me, too.”
With his feet propped on the coffee table, he leaned back on the couch and stretched his arms over his head. Steph remembered when she used to admire his biceps and swoon over his six-pack. She’d been so enamored with his outward appearance, she’d brushed certain behaviors under the rug. Constantly questioning her whereabouts. Accusing her of cheating. Criticizing her appearance. Controlling her outside contacts. She hadn’t realized how oppressed and alone she felt until he left her with a sick child. She’d all but lost touch with her old friends. Laurie, however, stuck with her through it all, and made no secret of celebrating when the marriage ended. Though he’d never been violent before, his sudden appearance made Steph nervous. She took comfort knowing, if she screamed, Laurie would come running over from next door and likely beat the man to a pulp… or at least call nine-one-one.
“Sorry to disappoint. I don’t miss you. Not at all.” Steph swept her hand toward the door. “Time to go.”
He gave her a smarmy smile. “I don’t think so. Not until I get what I came for.”
“Spit it out, Jeff. I don’t have time for this.”
“I want in.”
She blinked. What on earth was he talking about? Ellie?
