Page 130 of Bitter Rival

Because there is no way that my mother could be here. In Sutton Ridge. Lounging on the terrace just as if it hasn’t been eight years since I last set eyes on her.

What if…oh God. My stomach twists into knots and I feel like I’m going to vomit.

My mother would never come here just to see me, but she’d certainly show up if she thought there was money involved.

What if she found out that Robert bequeathed half of everything to me?

Panic grips me and claws its way up my throat.

I need Beckett to know that I was telling the truth and have had no contact with my mother in years.

I move in front of him, trying to block his view, and grab his arms. “I don’t know what she’s doing here. I swear on my life that we weren’t in on this together. I had nothing to do with this. But I’ll get rid of her. I’ll?—”

“That won’t be necessary,” he says, his tone clipped, eyes narrowed on my mother. “I’ll deal with this.” He puts his hands on my shoulders and gives them a little squeeze. “Why don’t you go back to the winery and hang out with Callie? You can sit this one out.”

My jaw drops.

Sit this one out? Is he crazy?

I need to take care of this.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Beckett

Fuck. Fuck. Fuuuuck.

This did not go to plan. But trust Astrid to flip the script and show up in Sutton Ridge.

And of course, Daisy didn’t listen to me. As soon as the words were out of my mouth, she charged ahead.

Now we’re standing on the terrace facing Astrid who is sitting on the outdoor sofa as if she fucking belongs here.

“You need to go,” Daisy says firmly. “I don’t know why you’re here but I will do everything in my power to ensure that you don’t hurt Beckett any more than you already have. You ruined his life. Haven’t you done enough? Please. Just go.”

So brave. So fierce. So loyal.

But she shouldn’t be defending me when I am the reason Astrid is here.

Astrid laughs. “Surely, you can’t be that naïve. But it’s good to see you again, Daisy Maja.” From her seat on the sofa, she looks her daughter up and down appraisingly. “I knew you’d be beautiful. But you’re still a silly, little fool, aren’t you? Please tell me you haven’t fallen in love with your childhood crush.”

Her lips purse and her hand goes to her heart. “Oh dear, you have, haven’t you?” Astrid sighs, her gaze swinging to me. “Would you like to tell my daughter what you’ve done? Or shall I do the honors?”

Daisy looks at me, her brow furrowed in confusion. “What is she talking about?”

Astrid has no proof that it was me. It’s not like I left my calling card after emptying her bank account. I was careful to cover my tracks so it’s only a suspicion on her part, and I’m not about to divulge any of this in front of Daisy.

I jerk my chin at Astrid. “What are you doing here?”

“Looks as if I ruined your plans.” She gives me that devious smile I remember so well and crosses her legs.

She looks the same as I remember, but I’m not surprised she’s aged well. Unlike Daisy, she’s been living the good life and can afford the best that money can buy. Her dress, handbag, and red-soled heels are all designer, and the rock on her ring finger must be at least ten carats.

“I assume you were hoping I’d wait until you showed up in London,” she says, toying with the diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist. “But I’ve never been very good at following the rules. I grew a bit impatient, so I thought why not surprise Daisy and Beckett with a visit?”

“You live in London?” Daisy blurts out then shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care where you live. How did you know we were here?”

“A little birdie told me. Poor Georgia.” Astrid tsks. “She said you were quite rude to her. And as for where I live, yes, I’m currently in London,” she tells Daisy. “You’re more than welcome to visit me anytime.”

---