“Are you saying her marrying me is a mistake?” Does he know the truth behind our marriage?
“No, but I don’t think you meant to marry her.” His tone says he’s on my side.
I don’t trust people being on my side without a good reason. “I don’t make commitments without knowing what I’m doing.”
“Of course, of course. But she’s only doing this because she’s upset over the lack of control she has at Peery Diamonds. She thinks being married is going to change people’s perception of her, but that isn’t right. I don’t know why she specifically draggedyouinto this, though. She could’ve picked anybody.”
“What’s the point of this conversation?” I ask, out of patience.
“I’m just saying I could help you be free of her.”
“She’s my wife.”
“Yes, but you might not want her by your side for long.”
I don’t like his smile. “Why are you working against your daughter?” Does he only like Karl because he’s a boy? Luce’s grandfather was a sexist, and Roderick could be just as bad.
“I hate seeing her get worked up about the company and marrying a man who isn’t right for her.” The sneaky glitter in his eyes says he’s going to keep poking until he gets the desired response.
Who the hell does he think he is to judge my marriage to Luce?
He flashes me a friendly smile. “Not that I don’t think you’re a good man, of course. But that doesn’t mean you and she are suited for each other. Anyway, she’s too young and better off letting others manage the company while she collects her dividends. She can still be fabulously wealthy and comfortable.”
As obsequiously sly as Roderick is, I have to give him credit for being persuasive. If I hadn’t seen Luce working hard, I might’ve bought into his view. Hell, even I thought she was just playing around at first. But he’s her father. He should know better and not belittle his youngest to a man he just met. “She seems competent. And often what moves us isn’t money, but a passion for what we do.”
“Everyone wants money,” Roderick says, spreading his hands.
“Not when you have the kind of money we do.”
“Are you telling me you aren’t doing what you’re doing to make money?”
“Money is the icing on the cake. I do what I do for the sense of accomplishment and because I love Sebastian Jewelry and its people. I suspect Luce runs Peery Diamonds for the same reason.”
“I see. Well, I’m happy she found a husband who understands her so well.” He’s smiling and saying all the right things. But my bullshit radar says,Don’t trust a word out of his mouth.
“I’m glad you approve.”Not that I need your approval.
I dismiss him with a nod. He gets the hint and goes to chat with somebody else. He reminds me too much of the Comtoises’ disappointing behavior and attitude in the last few weeks, which is why I didn’t invite any of them to the reception. Also, I really dislike the way he chalks up everything Luce does to greed and ego. What the hell kind of a father is he? No wonder she was unhappy when he showed up.
Still… His devotion to his late wife is well known. Maybe he’s just bad at expressing himself. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt for the moment.
Speaking of which… Is Luce okay?
She hasn’t been gone that long, but it shouldn’t take ten minutes to grab some Tylenol. The pantry isn’t that far away.
I remember the pallor beneath her makeup. She’s been anxious and stressed about the party for some reason. She behaved like she expected something to go wrong, which I don’t understand. A good event can be pulled off if you have at least two out of the big three—money, time and expertise.
We spared no expense, and money can buy expertise.
Maybe she’s feeling worse than I thought. I start toward the pantry to check up on her and walk past my brothers, who are talking animatedly.
Noah grabs my elbow. “Come and tell Nicholas my plan is genius!”
Griffin groans. “Oh my God, you’re going to get him killed.”
“What plan?” I ask. Noah’s grip is firm enough to signal he isn’t letting go until he gets my take on it.
“I told Nicholas to hire an escort to seduce the boyfriend of the girl he likes.”
