“Then who’s going to plan the wedding?Her?” She points a manicured finger at Grace.
“No, Grace is busy with her career,” I say.
“What career? Making coffee for her boss?”
“You wouldn’t understand, since the only thing you’ve done in your life is spend other people’s money.”
Karie is speechless. Her silence is truly golden.
I continue, “Thankfully, I have Madison, who always knows exactly what I want. Now that we’re clear on the matter—and your ten seconds have long since expired—get the fuck out of my office. Or I’ll have security toss you out on your bony ass.”
Chapter Twenty
Grace
My stomach churns with unease as I pull in at Nelson’s house. It was satisfying to see Huxley deal with Karie this afternoon. He didn’t pull any punches with me, but he didn’t pull any with her either, thank God. If he’d been deferential to her, the marriage would become even more intolerable.
Not that there are any signs our union is going to be peaceful. I mean… Yes, what I said to Adam could have sounded bad, if you didn’t know the context. But Huxley didn’t have to fly off the handle without giving me a chance to explain. Or worse, reject the truth that Adam and I are just friends because he’s just too damn proud and stubborn to admit he’s wrong.
And that prenup! He acted like it was going to devastate me, but it only made me sad.What have I done to give such a terrible impression of myself?I’ve never treated him unfairly, but he views everything about me in the worst possible light.
I signed it to avoid wasting time and energy. I don’t need his money. The document won’t change my financial circumstances in any way. I’ll continue to work and contribute to Mom’s care. Nelson and Karie will continue to write their monthly checks. If they try to punt the responsibility to Huxley, I’ll tell them I’ll run to Andreas, although his assistant might block me from seeing him. He’s a busy man, and he rarely has time for anybody, unless they can afford his exorbitant rate. It’s exhausting to have to constantly fight for what I’ve been promised, but that’s whathappens when you’re the lowest of everyone’s priorities. If I threaten the reputation of the family, Andreas might spare three minutes, though… I think.
Before I left the 4D Agency, Huxley said I’d better be packed by eight. What does he think I am? A dog that jumps at the snap of his fingers?
Besides, even if I wanted to go along with him to avoid another argument, I can’t. Not today. Karie was waiting outside his office. “We need to talk,” she said.
“I’m busy,” I told her brusquely, trying not to show satisfaction at how she’d been treated just moments earlier.
“Too busy to discuss your mom’s bills?”
I stopped, and a smirk twisted her mouth.
“That’s what I thought. Come over after work or we’ll have a problem.”
Now that I’m here… I exhale. Whatever Karie plans to do is going to be ugly. She understands she can’t bend Huxley to her will, which means she’s going to go through me. If Huxley and I weren’t in the situation we are in, I might consider asking him for help, but I doubt he’ll show me any mercy. He only got nasty with her because she interrupted him. I’ll be lucky if he doesn’t side with her just to make me miserable.
I walk inside and see not only Karie, but Nelson and Viv in the living room, seated in armchairs designed to look like thrones. Nelson must’ve left the office early for the occasion. No sign of the housekeeper—likely dismissed early so no outsider will witness the scene to come. The notion spikes my stress, and a fresh wave of acid sloshes in my belly.
“Call it off!” Viv demands.
“Good evening, Viv. You look lovely too.” Since there’s only a footstool, I remain standing, rather than crouching at their feet. The furniture setup is a silent reminder of my place in this family.
Viv slams her fist on the arm of her chair. “Call itoff! You don’t deserve him! You conniving bitch! You aren’t really pregnant, are you?”
I put a hand over my belly. “You want to place a bet?”
She hesitates, suddenly uncertain. “Like you have anything worth wagering!” she finally says.
“You’re right. I don’t have anything…except my mother’s love.”
Smug contempt crosses Viv’s face. “Your mother’s love? You wish—”
“That’s enough!” Karie says.
Viv shuts up, which is weird. Normally she would argue and whine that she should be able to “exercise her constitutional right to free speech.”
But before I can ponder on the odd reaction, Karie says, “You owe me an apology, Grace.”
