Page 56 of Vexatious Queen

“Excellent, I’m happy we were able to come to an arrangement that is mutually beneficial.”

“Likewise. I don’t have time for old family disputes. No one even remembers how they started, and it’s unproductive to think in such small terms.”

“Yes, agreed. I appreciate the call to let me know, but is there something else you want to discuss?”

I smirked. “Why would you ask that?”

“Just didn’t take you for the type of man to bother yourself with calls such as this. I’m sure you have more important things to do,” Romeo said.

He was smart, and I liked that about him.

“You caught me. There is something else I’d like to discuss if you’ll entertain me for a few more minutes.”

I walked over to the small bar and poured myself a scotch.

“I have a few minutes,” Romeo replied.

Sipping on my drink, I wandered my office.

“Are you betrothed, Romeo?”

My query was met with dead silence on the other end of the line.

“I’m not interested in you for myself,” I cheekily added.

Romeo chuckled on the other end of the line.

“I’m just shocked. This was not where I thought the conversation was headed,” Romeo said.

“It’s good to know that I still have some shock left in me,” I said, swirling my drink.

The photo of Ren and me from this Christmas sitting on the bookcase made me smile.

“Actually, you’ve caught me at a good time. I’m between marriage contracts at the moment.” The scotch stilled on the way to my lips. “Let’s just say that things did not work out between us, and she has chosen another.”

“I see. Should I offer my condolences?”

“No, it’s fine. So the answer is no, I am not betrothed. Who do you have in mind?”

“My daughter, of course, but I wouldn’t feel right proposing an arrangement without the two of you meeting. I’m sure you feel the same way, so I’d like to extend an invitation to dinner. Can I convince you to join us?”

He hesitated, and I could hear a pen tapping like he was thinking it over.

“Yes, I’ll accept the invitation.”

“Excellent, I’ll be in touch with the time and location closer to the day.”

I heard the argument in the hallway before my office door was unceremoniously slammed open, and Patricia, Victoria, and Marcus barged inside.

“I told you that he was busy,” Marcus said.

“And I told you that I didn’t care,” Patricia fumed.

“Well, it seems I need to deal with a different family matter. We’ll speak soon.”

Romeo chuckled on the other end of the line before he hung up.

“It’s fine, Marcus. I’ll take it from here.”