Page 93 of Unwillingly His

Christ. The wounds from her parents’ death were still fresh for Stella. I wouldn’t even know how to break it to her that it wasn’t a terrible accident. Next time I saw Reid, I would have him use his contacts to investigate. I was certainly not going to trust the word of Mary Quinn on the matter.

And perhaps having a mutual project would mend some of the bad blood between myself and my new son-in-law.

Recent events had changed my mind about how I wanted to deal with my children and their spouses in the future.

“If the rumors are to be believed. Just like the rumor you now control Deiderich’s entire fortune and will soon be looking to get rid of the little orphan girl. Then splitting her inheritance between yourself and her new husband. I have come with a few suggestions of age-appropriate men who may be in the market for a new bride.”

I could see the rumor mill was still thinking the absolute worst of me.

“No, Stella’s prospects have already been secured. I do not need any assistance.”

“Well, that makes sense seeing how beautifully both of your daughters’ marriages turned out.”

“They are both married to extremely wealthy men, who can keep them safe from conniving bitches like you. I would say that is a stunning success.”

Her head flew back in a fit of false laughter.“Oh, I do enjoy this banter.”

“I do not. If there is nothing else, please see yourself out.”

“Come on, don’t be like that.” She reached out to cup my cheek.

I grabbed her wrist and pushed it away from me, making her stumble back a few feet.

She looked at me with eyes wide and full of rage. She was under the impression that no one could resist her charm. That may have been true at one time, but between time, too much Botox, and constant drinking, she was no longer what most men wanted.

She was still attractive enough. To a woman like Mary Quinn, that was the only thing she had.

Though after being with Stella and having her in my life, I didn’t think I’d even look twice at Mary Quinn when she was in her prime.

“Leave now,” I repeated.

“You’re going to regret this,” she spat.

“I can have security escort you out if you prefer.” The threat was clear in my statement, and she huffed before grabbing her Chanel bag from my desk.

“Maybe I should call Ronan myself and tell him that he missed a spot on his last job. I hear he’s pretty angry with you over firing his cousin Brian,” she taunted.

I cornered her against the wall. “I certainly hope you didn’t just fucking threaten my fiancé—because I would take that very personally.”

Her fake eyelashes fanned over her eyes as she blinked up at me. “Of course not, Lucian. I would never.”

Just like she’d never be involved in a kidnapping or that PR stunt that nearly killed Charlotte.

It was funny how Mary always seemed to be on the periphery of tragedy but never in the mix, like a fucking spider weaving her web, watching as the flies became trapped.

It was only a matter of time before she got caught in her own web.

And I was going to make sure of it. But first, my priority was getting Stella the protection of my name so Ronan wouldn’t dare touch her.

I raised an eyebrow. “We’re done here. Stella is waiting for me at the distillery. See yourself out.”

Mary Quinn Astrid was a problem for later.

CHAPTER 35

LUCIAN

“Why are we meeting here and not in the office?” Luc asked as his town car pulled up beside mine.

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