Chapter 32: Dara's victory dance!
Chapter 32: Dara's victory dance!
Chapter 32: Dara's victory dance!
As Eric placed Dara’s bags in the car, he glared over at her. He’d caught that eye exchange between her and Isabelle…..it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what happened. Dara was indeed the one that leaked the story. Could Isabelle be covering for her?
‘You always have others doing your dirty work huh Dara?’
He thought to himself as he closed the trunk. As soon as they left, Nancy and Ivan let out a sigh.
“This is getting out of hand! How dare he accuse us!”
Ivan fumed as he looked around the room. Nancy, however, stared at Isabelle. She’d caught Isabelle’s demeanor change when Ian asked if she was the one that leaked the story; which is why she quickly intervened.
“It was you…..wasn’t it Issie?”
Ivan quickly answered.
“What the hell are you talking about Nancy! Isabelle didn’t do anything!”
But Nancy ignored Ivan keeping her eyes on Isabelle.
“Issie….honey….if it WAS you, please tell me now so that we can figure out how to protect you from your brother.”
Tears began to stream down Isabelle’s cheeks as she ran into her mother’s arms.
“Oh mom!!! It’s not my fault!!! I didn’t know!!!”
Ivan’s eyes widened in shock!
“So wait!! It was you!!! You brat!! Why would you do something like this!!!”
“It wasn’t my fault!!! That bitch Dara lied to me!!!”
Nancy’s brows furrowed.
“What do you mean?”
Nancy wiped the tears from Isabelle's eyes.
“She’s the one that told me Cassie cheated with Ayden! I released the story thinking it would help Ian! How was I supposed to know-”
“So you ran to the press before confirming if it was true or not! You fool!”
Nancy let out a deep breath.
“Ivan calm down! We just need to tell Ian the truth.”
Isabelle’s eyes widened in shock and fear!
“WHAT!!! No!!! Mom! Ian will kill me!!!”
Nancy’s face darkened as Ivan fumed.
“Over my dead body! I’ll talk-”
“No!….I’ll have a talk with our son. The two of you stay here. I’ll fix this mess.”
With that, Nancy left the estate and headed to Ian’s house.
Meanwhile, everyone sat in silence as Ian, Eric, and Dara made their way back to the cabin. Ian was seething, his mind racing a million miles per minute with one question gnawing at his brain.
‘Did Cassie read that article? And if so….why hasn’t she called me yet?’
That was what worried him the most. If Cassandra had indeed read the article, her lack of communication could only mean one thing….she was planning a retaliation.
As they arrived at the cabin, Ian received a phone call from his maid.
“What is it Ms. Pierce!”
“Um….sir…..your mother is here.”
Ian’s face nearly twisted! Now what the hell was going on!!! Why was she at his place! Grabbing the bridge of his nose, Ian took a deep breath.
“I’m on my way.”
Both Eric and Dara looked at Ian confused.
“Eric….get Dara settled in….I need to go home for moment. After that; meet me at the warehouse.”
Eric nodded.
“Will do sir. I just received a message from security. Our package arrived.”
Ian nodded at Eric. Whether he trying to make sure he wouldn’t get fired….or worse, Ian wasn’t sure; but Eric had really been on his game since the divorce. He’d originally planned to fire him or more that day, but Eric made a compelling plea, so Ian gave him another chance to prove himself.
“Very good. I’ll see you soon.”
Turning to Dara, Ian’s eyes darted to her now swollen and perfectly round belly.
"After I get everything handled with this article, we’ll start making wedding plans."
Dara could hardly believe her ears!! She thought for sure Ian was going to tell her he wanted to work things out with Cassandra! Guess that dream vanished the moment that article dropped. Dara grinned with smugness inwardly.
‘Looks like your little plan worked! Thanks sister-in-law.’
Dara smiled coyly as she nodded to Ian.
“Whatever you think is best my love.”
Ian nodded and headed back to his car. As he drove off, Dara nearly screamed! Finally! After all her planning and plotting Ian was finally going to marry her! She rubbed her stomach and cooed to her baby as she walked inside the cabin.
Twirling into the Kitchen, Dara began singing to her belly. Irritated, Eric watched her joyous celebration.
“You seem pretty pleased with yourself.”
Eric’s voice was low and sarcastic. Dara turned to look at her brother, her face filled with smugness and victory.
“Of course I am. Very soon I’ll be marrying the Western Coastal’s most eligible bachelor. I’ll be marrying into one of the world’s most powerful families. And I’ll be giving birth to one of the most powerful heirs….so yeah….I’m pretty fucking pleased.”
Eric looked at his sister with disdain. For the past several months he’d been reflecting on all the choices he made since deciding to bring Dara into the fold and found himself regretting them all.
‘I never should have brought her in!! She’s out of control!’
Dara raised her brow, she knew her brother wasn’t pleased with many of her choices, but she didn’t care. Him being content with her simply being some fly by night mistress wasn’t good enough!
“What exactly is wrong with you Eric. Your sister is about to become one of the most powerful people in the coast! I thought that’s what you want-”
“I wanted to be powerful Dara! I brought you on to benefit me! Not so you could move us all around on a board like chess pieces!”
Dara began to laugh! How pathetic! Eric was jealous! Jealous because her plans actually worked! Jealous because she was about to sore higher than he could have ever imagined!
“Oh dear brother…..you’re so pathetic!”
Eric’s face twisted in anger!
“What the fuck did you just say!”
“You heard me. I said you’re pathetic!”
“You fucking bi-”
“Exactly how far did you plan on getting being a mere assistant! Be honest with yourself Eric! You were always going to be limited! You should be fucking thanking me! What I did benefits us both!”
Eric began to laugh hysterically causing Dara to fume!
“What the hell are you laughing at!”
Eric wiped the tears from his eyes.
“You dear sister….I’m laughing at you. You’ve really convinced yourself that you’re going to become the queen of the Eastern Coast. How delusionally cute. Keller is only marrying you for the sake of that kid in your belly. When are you going to get through that small brain of yours….you will never be Cassandra Davis!”
“SHUT UP!!!”
Dara threw a glass at the wall causing a loud shatter as it hit the ground. Eric’s face was overly amused.
“Awe…what’s the matter dear sister; you don’t like the truth?”
Dara smiled sardonically.
“Go to hell Eric! You’re just jealous! Fuck you! And Fuck Cassandra! I’m giving Ian something she never could! My son!”
Eric looked at his watch, he’d wasted too much time on this. Smiling, he walked towards the door.
“You should know….that little reporter stunt of yours has made matters worse. If I were you….I’d stop making trouble. That ‘son’ you’re carrying….he won’t always be able to save you. Especially if the truth ever comes out.”
Dara’s eyes widened in shock! How did he find out! Before she could question him, Eric was out the door, leaving her completely bewildered.