I understand this isn’t her dream wedding and we’re good at getting under each other’s skin, but if I didn’t know better, I’d say those words drip with disgust. Resentment, even.
“Michaela, you’re here on your own accord, but you’re giving off the vibe you’d rather not be here at all. I don’t understand. Your text suggested we were on the same page, but it seems we’re oceans apart.”
She averts her gaze. “We are on the same page.”
I study her striking profile, as she fidgets with her fingers. “What’s going on?”
She shrugs.
“I asked you a question, Michaela.”
This time she shakes her head.
I stand up, circle the coffee table and sit next to her on the sofa. I reach out for her, but she pulls her arm away before scooting closer to the armrest, creating distance between us.
Is she afraid of me?“If you want out of this agreement, tell me now.”
“I’m going through with it.”
“Your body language betrays your words.”
“I’m in.”
“I don’t expect you to jump for joy, but why the gloom and doom?”
“It’s not you.”
“Then, what is it?”
I’m not backing down until she gives me a straight answer.
She lets out a suffering sigh. “We lost everything in the middle of the night.”
“What are you talking about?”
I listen, stunned, as she recounts the conversation she had with her father.
“Other than Villiers Grand, we have nothing left,” she says, looking up at me like a skittish kitten.
Jesus.“I’m so sorry, Michaela.”
“Myriad emotions collide inside me as I wrap my mind around this tsunami of drama. Overnight, I went from Prada to nada.”
It’s all stuff, so it’s replaceable. Still, I can’t imagine what it feels like to be in her position.
“Does your father know the right people to help him with this ordeal?”
“I don’t think so,” she says.
“I’ll make some phone calls to my people in New York,” I say.
Surprised green eyes snap up to mine.
“We have a team of lawyers, investigators, and other experts who can help your father navigate through this. These specialists will make the process easier for him and ensure he nails Thana’s ass to the wall if she’s behind this. If he goes at it alone, it might be frustrating and costly.”
She hitches a breath. “Really? You’d do that?”
I nod. “I’ll also hire a team of security guards for around the clock surveillance for the hotel. Even though Thana is in custody, who knows what her lover is capable of.”
