Salome had been a bundle of nerves last night after she overheard the conversation. Still, at least she managed to keep her cool.
“Anyway, for now, just spend time with Beckett. Make him fall in love with you–make him need you. Sure, Edith has her looks, but you’re just as good as she is. I’ll keep someone watching her. If Edith tries to get close to Beckett again, I’ll make sure she learns her lesson,” Jeffry said.
His reassurance calmed her a little.
Salome had made up her mind. Whether it was Bennett or Beckett, as long as she could keep living the way she used to–or even better–she didn’t really care who it was.
She felt no guilt about it, either. Why should she? It wasn’t her fault Edith couldn’t have children.
If there was anyone to blame, it was Edith for her own shortcomings.
In fact, Salome almost felt lucky that Edith was infertile. If she wasn’t, Salome knew she would have been the one cast out of the Vance family when her husband died.
Narrowing her eyes at the photos on her phone, Salome seemed to make up her mind. “Jeff, don’t you know a lot of people who can handle things? Call in a few favors and teach Edith a lesson. We can’t let her just do whatever she wants.”
Jeffry glanced down at the photo taken at the café.
“You’re right. She’s getting way too bold. If we don’t put her in her place, she’ll think she can walk right back into the Vance family.”
Right now, the only woman welcome in the Vance family was his sister. Anyone who tried to take her place was a threat to the Vale family’s interests.
Jeffry wasted no time making some calls. Once he’d set things in motion, he put on a smile and said, “Salome, I’m really strapped for cash lately.
1/2
12/02
Chapter 69
You’re pregnant now–your mother–in–law must have given you some money, hasn’t she?”
Salome had grown numb to Jeffry’s constant requests for money.
Still, he was useful to have around. When she needed him most, at least
he could get things done.
She transferred him some money. Jeffry frowned at the amount. “Only twenty grand?”
Salome shot him a look. “There’s a daily limit. That’s all I can send today. It’s not like I haven’t been helping you out. Don’t act like my money comes easy. You know Heather is stingy with me–she acts like every penny I spend is coming out of the Vance family’s fortune.”
Jeffry flashed another ingratiating smile. “Come on, Salome, you’ve had a rough time in that family. Just hang in there. That old bat already lost one son, and now her only son left is your husband. Once she steps down, the Pioneer Prime fortune will be yours–and ours. All the Vale family’s.”
Salome couldn’t help but smile at that.
He had a point, but some worries still lingered. “Jeff, you know that old saying, ‘Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach him to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime‘? I can’t just keep sending you money forever. Pioneer Prime is doing great these days–you should think about getting in on some projects and making something for yourself.”
She knew she couldn’t keep running to Beckett for handouts. If Jeffry started up some ventures, she’d have more reason to ask Beckett for resources–and no one could complain.
Jeffry waved her off. “Yeah, yeah, I’m talking with a few guys already. Don’t worry about me–worry about keeping Beckett–or Bennett, whatever his name is–wrapped around your finger. Men are easy to handle if you know how!”
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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.