Page 43 of One Wealthy Wedding

When I’m feeling more settled, I push open the door and head back into the dining room. The din grows with every step, like a march to the gallows.

“Cat Peterson?” I hear, when I’m nearly back at our table. I recognize that voice. Strident and too-loud, even over the noise of conversation. I turn to a table with three men and two women, but my gaze snags on the pretty brunette at the center. Lauren Hall. I always liked her voice, but she always hated it. She wanted to sound smooth and cultured, but she could never erase her Long Island roots. We were friends once, tentative friends, in the way of people who know they’re both on the outside and think an alliance might benefit them. At least until something better comes along.

For Lauren, something did. She’s married now, to a man who is Arnold Worth the Fourth’s best friend.

“What are you doing here?” she says when I don’t respond.

“Having brunch.” My heart is racing, and I press a hand to my stomach. Lauren’s gaze snags on the diamond, and an ugly look crosses her face. Lauren always liked me because I was less popular than her. Now, four of her ring could fit inside mine. A stupid assessment, but one I know Lauren is making as her eyes flick over my hand.

“With Theo Archer?” She gives her friend next to her an amused glance. “I heard about your little marriage.” She taps her phone.

“I really should be getting back to my husband.” My tongue feels thick as I say the unfamiliar phrase.

“Your husband.” She smiles sharply. “Surprised you’re willing to leave the house after the news about your theft became public.”

“Theft?” I should play it cool. I shouldn’t ask, but fuck.

“Arnold posted about it this morning.” She cocks her head. “Do you live under a rock?”

I’m paralyzed, my heart pounding, until a heavy arm slides around my waist and warm lips caress the top of my hair. “There you are, baby. I was looking for you.” I’m frozen for a moment, before I relax into his side.

Theo. Thank god. I’ve never been so grateful in my life.

Lauren and her friend sit up straighter at his presence. Of course. Theo might have come from nothing, but now he’s rich as fuck and handsome as the devil.

He gives Lauren a blank look. “Have we met?”

Lauren recovers quickly. “Once.” She titters a laugh. “But I’ve heard so much about you since then. Is this where you and Cat always go for brunch?”

“Sometimes. When there’s nothing better available.” He lifts one shoulder in a lazy shrug.

Lauren gives me a poisonous look, like she knows we’re lying. “What’s Theo’s favorite thing on the menu?”

I freeze. She knows. Arnold told her about the will, which means he told all his friends, and it’s only a matter of time before my father publicly challenges our marriage and the will. He’ll challenge the will and take the shares.

“Dessert,” Theo says smoothly, grabbing my hand. “Nice to see you again,” he says curtly before he drags me back to our table. “What was that?” He stabs his spoon into the tart.

“She and her friends know about the will. And the marriage. They’re friends with my family.” I pull out my phone and open social media. I shouldn’t do this. I’ve avoided looking since I saw the awful comments yesterday.

Arnold’s page is filled with selfies and pictures of expensive cars. He’s tagged me in one item. A story he shared from a gossip site. It’s a photo of me leaving a party several years ago, and the accompanying article features a quote. “Disinherited Peterson heiress accused by her father of stealing jewels upon fleeing her family home.” Theo goes still as I read the words. “My father’s business partner’s son provided a quote,” I say faintly. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this marriage is a sham. Theo Archer isn’t the marrying kind. And Cat Peterson isn’t either.”

“Fuck,” Theo mutters.

The room is too small. “Let’s go,” I say.

“Hell no,” he says. “We aren’t going anywhere. In fact, we’re going to eat every damn bite of this dessert and act like we never saw the post. You didn’t steal any damn jewels.”

“It’s my father,” I say. “He doesn’t want to lose the company. He’ll do anything to discredit me.”

Theo angrily eats another bite of apple tart.

“Theo.”

“Darling,” he says in a dangerously low voice. “This marriage can’t be called into question. I won’t allow it.” His tone sends shivers down my spine. Theo looks like he would kill Arnold Worth and hide the body.

“Fine.”

“Thank you.” His smile turns feral. “Now open up, princess, and try to look delighted while I feed you.”