‘You assume correctly,’ Issy said, trying not to roll her eyes at the charade. ‘Were you aware that Spencer and Dad had been making succession plans?’
‘Darling, you know how your father is with business. I try to stay right out of it.’
‘This isn’t business. This is your family’s future. It’s a bit different, don’t you think?’
‘Your father’s an astute businessman, Isobel, with excellent judgment. He hasn’t built this business from the three hotels he inherited to a multinational hotel and property group through luck alone. Who am I to question his judgment?’
Issy stiffened. ‘Are you saying you agree? That Spencer should take over the entire Ashworth Group? And Felix and I should be in positions where we essentially report to him?’
‘Don’t be so melodramatic, Isobel. That’s not what your father means. It’s just a structural thing. Someone must head up the business. Spencer and Felix tried to work together years ago and look how that went! Can you imagine what a disaster it would be for the three of you to share the role? God help us. The Ashworth Group would be run into the ground in a matter of months! I think it’s safe to say that none of us want that!’
‘He led me to believe that I was next in line for the COO role. Instead, I’m stuck as Head of Marketing and Comms, which is basically a glorified way of saying event planner.’
‘But you’re so good at it, Isobel! One of the keys to a successful life—’
Issy braced herself for one of her mother’s pearls of wisdom.
‘—is knowing what you’re good at and sticking to it. That’s why I stay out of all this. I don’t have a head for business.’ Heather took Issy’s hands. ‘Focus on the wedding, darling. Before long, you’ll be having a family. You won’t want more responsibility than that. Family comes first.’
‘But I’ve got ideas about the business, about its future and—’
‘You’ll still be able to contribute those in the marketing role.’ Her mother’s tone was placating, as though she was talking to a deluded child.
‘But—’
Heather pressed her lips into a thin line. ‘Look, Isobel, I wasn’t going to say this, but youarestill very young.’
‘What do you mean by that?’
‘Just that I can understand why he might not think you’re ready for more responsibility.’
‘What? Why?’
‘Your judgment has always been a little … off.’ Heather narrowed her eyes. ‘Hasn’t it?’
Issy inhaled deeply, steadying herself. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I know you’d prefer us all to pretend the accident never happened,’ Heather said, ‘but it did happen.’ Her eyes flashed. ‘Just ask Stella Austin.’
The mention of the name, unspoken between them in the decade since that terrible night, felt like a punch in the stomach.
‘But, it wasn’t … it wasn’t my fault. It was the rain, the wet road—’
‘Nonsense!’ Heather’s voice was sharp. ‘I’m happy to pretend, Isobel, but don’t think I don’t know.’ She glared at Issy, her cold blue eyes daring her daughter to argue.
As Issy stared at her, she was filled with a deep hatred, thrumming through her veins to every cell of her body. She imagined grabbing her mother by her hair, slapping her, clawing at her perfect face. She swallowed, then spoke instead.
‘I did the DNA test.’
Heather’s face twitched, then stilled. ‘You didn’t.’
Issy nodded, shocked by how much pleasure she was getting from watching her mother struggle to conceal her horror. ‘Do you want to tell me what it’s going to reveal? Or keep me in suspense until I get the results?’
Heather shook her head. ‘You’re a naive fool.’
Issy laughed.
‘You were never very good at maths, Isobel, but even you won’t be laughing if your inheritance ends up divided by more than three.’
