Page 88 of Let Me Love You

Isn’t that exactly what you’ve been doing this entire relationship?

When he finally looks back up at me, he says, “You’re the only person who knows.”

From behind, Harmony’s voice reaches me as she says, “Please leave.” I can only hope she’s talking to the reporters.

My lips tremble, and a hand touches mine. I glance over and find Harmony standing at my side. Us against the world, as it always was. Even though I spent my life protecting her, she’s now a grown woman who has my back in return. She doesn’t ask what’s wrong, but she knows something is. She knows I need her support.

“What now then?”

“Let’s finish this party.” Victor’s voice softens, but he doesn’t offer me any reassuring words.

This isn’t what I want. Not at all. I want my Victor back. I want his flirty and cocky grins. His supportive words. His love for me and Summer. Not the man who says something that sounds extremely like we’re about to break up.

He turns to walk away but stops. “You finally get your wish. After our contract is up, I won’t bother you about being with me for real anymore,” Victor says soft enough so only I can hear him, and my world shatters into a million pieces.

Chapter 38

Victor

The moment Serenity walked away from me, the reporters swarmed, but I kicked them out. Too bad for them they didn’t get the scoop first.

Some of the articles are still circling my mind. One of them even said, “How did no one pick up on the fact that Victor is blond hair and blue-eyed while the whole family has dark hair and eyes? Had no one picked up on the fact his mother dyed her hair blonde to try cover it up?”

That last question was the truth. People assumed I resembled my mother, but she had started dying her hair so long ago that most people don’t remember she used to have dark hair like Isabella’s.

I lived my whole life wondering about that until one day, my dad sat me down and explained that even though I’m not his blood, I’m still his son and will be the CEO of Barlowe Tech one day.

Deep in my gut, I don’t think Serenity would tell anyone my secret for money or anything like that. She isn’t a liar. But I do think maybe she told Harmony, and someone could’ve overheard her. This is a life-destroying secret. And I trusted her.

This whole time, I’ve been trying to gain her trust, but she’s the one who broke mine.

I prowl away from the crowd and toward the house. I take out my phone and dial the one person always on my side.

Mrs. Frederick answers on the first ring, most likely already aware. “What’s your plan?” Her words confirm it.

I always have a strategy with at least two contingencies, but I’ve been given zero time to prepare. I’m almost certain my father’s hands are tied. At this point, I might need the shareholder’s vote.

“I’ll come up with something.”

“Well, you better do it fast before the wolves descend. Mr. Lexington has been plotting since he found out.”

“And what about you? Do you think I should remain CEO?”

She scoffs. “It’s not your fault your mother had an affair. You’ve been raised to take over Barlowe Tech, but not everyone will agree with me. And Mr. Lexington will make sure to keep everyone uneasy.”

Mrs. Frederick always tells me like it is. She worked with my grandfather, my father—until he retired early due to the fact that the doctors said if he didn’t lower his stress levels, he wouldn’t make it to an old age—and now me. She’s been around for so long I don’t remember the board without her. “What do you think I should do next?”

Harmony walks up to me before Mrs. Frederick can respond. “Serenity is gone.”

My heart throws into overdrive. Even though I’m conflicted, the sense to protect Serenity is still there. “Did she say anything to you?”

Harmony shakes her head. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to her before she left, but I know you two fought. You might want to think really hard before making any irrational decisions. There are some things you two should talk about.”

Her response doesn’t make much sense. “Like?”

She crosses her arms and tsks. “I’m not telling you. This is between the two of you. Now, go find her.”

I nod. Instead of questioning her, I dash to my SUV and start the engine. I don’t know where to start looking for her, but she wouldn’t go back to Granite Falls, not while Summer is still here. The only other place she frequents is the clinic where she volunteers. Maybe I can start there.