Page 5 of Reckless Vow

“An evil grandmother if I ever met one,” I say.

“And we haven’t even met her.” Paris sighs.

“We should check where her money came from.” The idea gives me a boost and I perk up. Maybe there is a way out. “I mean, how was that list compiled? Did she support those groups while she was alive? Is her fortune in any way connected? Can we use that to contest the will? Expose her?”

“You and your imagination.” London snorts and I flinch. “Roberta Montgomery was a pillar of society, American royalty.”

Of course my sister would dismiss my idea. That has always been the case. I’m the dreamer of the family. The baby they never saw as equal.

And maybe my suggestion is less than ideal, but I’m desperate here. A fact nobody seems to acknowledge.

“And clearly a bit unhinged if she showed us her affection by spying on us and blackmailing us into the traditional institution of marriage.” I raise my thumb to my mouth and immediately put it back in my lap.

“Let’s wait for Dominic to review the will to see if there is a way out.” Sydney smiles at me. Perhaps she wants to smooth London’s words, but more likely she’s just patronizing me.

I don’t know anymore. Everyone has been supportive since I returned, but their attention only makes me feel like I’m failing.

Like they just feel sorry for me because I left so young, and God knows what I’ve been up to, and now they need to reintegrate me into the real world.

They don’t know what I do. When my agent came up with the secret identity, I liked the idea. It’s helped my success.

I’ve never shared that with my family because the girl that left here years ago wanted them to accept me for who I am. Not for the accolades I achieve.

As if Sydney manifested the man, Dominic Cressard, a high-profile lawyer and London’s boyfriend, walks in and greets everyone.

London drops the binder into his hands after a kiss. He unbuttons his suit jacket and sits down, opening the binder without a word. London briefed him on the phone.

“I’m going to lie down,” Dad announces, and I jump to his side.

“Let me help you.”

I grab the handles of his wheelchair and push him to the bottom of the stairs in the foyer. Snaking my arm under his, I help him stand up. Using me as a crutch, he starts his ascent.

The house isn’t fitted for his needs, and the required renovations and adjustments are a point of tension between him and Mom.

Dad is proud, and he doesn’t want any changes until they are necessary.

The lift is obviously necessary, but I’m not going to push the point.

“Are you okay, darling?” the man who can barely stand asks me, and I blink a few times.

“Of course, I’m fine. It’s been an interesting day, though.”

We reach the landing and turn toward his bedroom where I help him sit on his bed. He leans sideways and I lift his legs.

“Do you want to get changed?”

“I’m fine.” He waves away the idea, clearly tired. “I’m just going to rest for a moment and Bianca will come to help me later. With the tea and all her opinions.” He rolls his eyes, but there is adoration behind his comment.

I kiss his forehead.

“Sit with me for a moment, Brook.”

I perch by his side and he squeezes my hand. “I hope Dom finds a way out of this mess. Roberta Montgomery hurt your mother a lot, but I never forgave myself for being the reason for their feud. I’m sorry the old witch reached out to hurt you now.”

“She’s not hurting me, Daddy.”

“Your mommy wanted to reconcile with her so badly. She valued family and was too kind, overlooking their betrayal. She always wished they could have a relationship.”

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