Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 80919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“Sold her? You have a funny way of defining blackmail.”
She had a point.
“Okay, this is what I’m willing to do. I’ll give my future wife the wedding of her dreams. No expense spared.” I watched the greed seep into her beady little eyes. “But she has to come to me with the bills for everything and tell me what they are. I’ll cover absolutely everything her heart desires. Not yours.”
Her lips pursed as she stood and looked down at me.
“I am her mother—” Her voice dripped with unearned indignation.
“You said that part already,” I interrupted.
“She doesn’t know what she wants. I do. There is also the matter of a proper engagement ring.”
“She has her ring.”
“That simple thing looks like a pauper’s ring.” She spat as she spoke.
I made a mental note to have the cleaner disinfect the rug… or maybe burn it.
“It’s the ring she liked, and it’s a five-carat Tiffany’s ring, with one of the most exquisite diamonds available outside of the royal jewels. I assure you it is not a pauper’s ring.”
I could practically see the dollar signs, like a cartoon character’s, light up her eyes, telling me she’d seen the ring but hadn’t understood its worth.
“I expect Amelia to be wearing my ring and no others every single day.”
“Yes, well. My daughter and I still need to plan the wedding, and the end of next quarter is September. That is far too soon to plan a wedding.”
“Then that is what she can tell me. The second she tells me what kind of wedding she wants, I will hand over my black card. Or better yet…”
I stood, so I was looking down at the harpy. “Why don’t I come with you both and make sure my future wife gets everything she wants? I’m sure it will be a splendid opportunity for us to spend some quality time together.”
Before she could say anything else, my front door opened, and my assistant entered carrying his briefcase while looking over some documents.
“Henry. Good. Can you please make Mrs. Astrid and me some coffee? We were just going over wedding plans.”
“Right away, sir.” Henry didn’t even blink, but I knew he read the tension in the room and understood how much I valued my privacy in the morning. Had she gone through the proper channels for this meeting, he would have never let her through.
“I thought you were out?” She raised an eyebrow at me.
“Henry would know where more is,” I said. “He is that good at his job, and I would appreciate it if you reach out to him next time you want to talk to me.”
“Oh, surely that won’t be necessary. After all, we’ll be family soon.” She brushed her hand over her shoulder, a move meant to display her many gaudy rings, no doubt.
“Still, I prefer that guests be announced.”
“How is that going to work?” She tilted her head.
“How is what going to work?”
“Are you going to force my daughter to live in this bachelor pad? It’s not suitable for a young woman. Anyone could look in these massive windows. The whole of New York could watch her.”
We were sitting on the eightieth floor. No one could see in here.
“I hardly see how that is any of your concern. I don’t give a flying fuck if you approve of me because your approval isn’t important. What I’m after is your complete compliance, and the understanding that if Amelia and I aren’t married, then you will have a lot to answer for. By the way, did you know your prenup has an adultery clause?”
Her eyes got big, and she shook a little. “How could you possibly know that?”
“Never mind how I know. I’m guessing you didn’t know. Well, let me fill you in. You get nothing. Zero. You get tossed out on your ass, and Harrison would also get nothing. Something to consider before you ever think about trying to show up here unannounced again or think that you somehow hold some sway over me. You don’t.”
She started to say something, but I talked right over her.
“You will not be getting reimbursed for a single fucking flower from that last wedding. If you have a problem with that, I don’t give a shit.”
Her face flushed scarlet. She was clearly not used to being talked to like this. Honestly, it was high time someone put this shrew in her place.
Before she could say another word, Henry came in with the coffee service.
He handed me my cup, then accidentally tripped and poured Mrs. Astrid’s cup all over her.
Shrieking, she sprang to her feet, hand raised to strike Henry.
I caught it before she let it fly. I was not about to lose a valued employee to an assault charge.
She really needed to learn not to touch what was mine.
“How dare you!” she screamed at Henry.