Chapter 68
“Edith, when you left the Vance estate the other day, you only took a few personal things with you. There are some important items you probably forgot.”
As soon as Beckett finished speaking, images of her studio flashed through Edith’s mind.
Her oil painting–that piece she’d spent months working on.
Just gathering the right pigments for that painting had meant calling in more than a few favors.
Edith’s brows tightened. “I’ll head over to the Vance place now and pick it up.”
But what she didn’t expect was for Beckett to use this as leverage.
“Edith, help out with the Pioneer Prime deal this time, and I’ll have your things sent straight to the Sumner house.”
Edith wasn’t naïve. She knew exactly what Beckett meant: unless she agreed to help, the painting she’d poured half a year into would never come back to her.
She bit her lip, but by now she’d gotten used to Beckett’s way of doing things. Otherwise, she might have blown up on the spot.
Beckett knew her too well. Everything in that studio was something she’d
never willingly give up.
And with her things still at the Vance estate, Edith had no choice but to give in.
Beckett, ever the picture of smug self–satisfaction, added, “Edith, this isn’t about me forcing your hand. The Hawksley Group is about to sign the project contract. If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss our shot.”
He stood with a confidence that said he’d already won. “The coffee’s on me. No need to thank me. I’ll be waiting for your good news.”
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As Beckett strode away, Edith clenched her fists. How could someone be
this shameless?
Salome first saw the photograph in the intensive care unit.
Her husband, gripping Edith’s wrist, the two of them sitting far too close for comfort in a coffee shop–caught in an intimate moment.
Jeffry Vale was the one who’d shown her the photo.
The Vale family’s notorious black sheep.
Once upon a time, the Vales had been a force to be reckoned with in Northcrest–until Jeffry’s gambling spiraled out of control.
No matter how big the family fortune, it could vanish overnight at the
tables.
The Vales were used to a life of luxury, and to keep up appearances, Salome had to keep plugging the holes Jeffry left behind.
Jeffry’s face was twisted with anger. “That little tramp does have a pretty face, I’ll give her that. But looks don’t give her the right to seduce her own brother–in–law. She’s got no shame–maybe I should find someone to scar up that face of hers!”
As much as Salome agreed with Jeffry, her mind was in too much turmoil
to focus.
“If she really has gone after my husband, then sure, we could teach her a
lesson. But…”
She glanced anxiously at her family.
Jeffry took a long, shaky breath. He’d only found out about this today, thanks to his sister.
It had given him a cold sweat just hearing about it.
The Vances really had crossed a line this time, throwing caution and reputation to the wind.
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Shock aside, Jeffry was worried.
If this scandal blew up, the Vale family’s days of comfort would be
numbered.
On one hand, they couldn’t risk exposing the truth themselves. On the other, they had to watch their backs around Edith.
Just as Jeffry went to light a cigarette, Salome’s sharp voice cut through the air. “Are you trying to get me kicked out of the Vance family’s good graces?”
He caught himself mid–motion and quickly stubbed out the cigarette. “Sorry, sorry–I got nervous and forgot you’re pregnant. No more smoking, I promise.”
After he’d put the cigarette away, Jeffry managed to steady himself. “You’re right, Salome. We can’t make any sudden moves now. We’ll just have to play it by ear. Whatever you do, don’t let the Vances find out you
know their secret.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.