"Oh good. It saves Geoffrey from having to find her."
Phe walks inside. I follow her across the floor. She rounds the desk, bends and kisses her grandmother’s cheek. "You look incredible."
She really does in her dark blue pantsuit, with her usual pearls and her coiffed hair.
Margot looks pleased at the compliment. "It’s lovely to see you, Phoenix."
"I still haven’t forgiven you for not attending my wedding." She shakes a finger at her gran.
Margot’s features cloud for a second, then she straightens her expression again. "You know, I don’t attend weddings."
"I know, 'it’s a waste of time.' You’d rather put it into building up the company. But really, Gran, you’re growing the company only to hand it off to my brothers. And you’ve done so much already. Why don’t you take it easy and get more rest?"
Margot’s lips quirk. "I’ll rest when I’m dead."
Phe chuckles. "Damn, your energy levels and motivation put the rest of us to shame."
"You’re sweet." She pats Phe’s face with affection. Then turns to me. "I’m glad to see you, Harper. I was hoping to have a catch up with you."
"A catch up?" I manage not to wince. I had expected we’d run into Margot today, given the event is at her house. But having a one-on-one with her, without James being around, is not what I expected. Outwardly, I flash her a confident smile. "Why not?"
I amble over to her desk and seat myself in one of the chairs opposite her.
Phe looks between us. There’s concern on her features.
"Oh, go on, child. I’m not going to eat her up." Margot snorts.
"Yes, we’ll be fine, Phe." I flash her a smile which I hope masks the flip-flop of my heart. Shit, where is James? Hopefully, he’ll see that I’m missing and come in search of me. I hope.
Phe nods. "Sure. Of course. But don’t keep her too long. She’s new to the family, and we want to spend time with her."
Margot’s features soften. "You’re a good friend, Phe."
"Thanks, Gran." She blows the older woman a kiss, then gives me a look which implies I should holler if I need help, before she leaves.
"So, Harper, I’m about to sign over James’ inheritance." Margot leans back in her seat.
"You are?"
She nods. "But I want you to confirm one thing."
The hair on the back of my neck rises. Whatever could she want to ask of me?
"Yes?" I’m pleased my voice is steady.
"James got married to you so quickly. And you’ve worked for him for what, three months?"
“A little over.” I nod.
Hmm, she places her elbows on the arms of her chair, then taps her fingertips together. "You’re not pregnant, are you?"
I blink slowly, open my mouth to respond, and end up choking on air.
Margot thinks I’m pregnant. And that’s why James and I rushed into this marriage. Which means, she doesn’t suspect our marriage is fake.
Relief cuts through me.
Margot pours me a glass of water and slides it across the desk.
