Page 14 of The Billionaire's Pact

“That’s something we have in common, Adelina,” Mr. Ashford said in a light tone. “My mother and I were both impressed.”

“We were,” Mrs. Ashford said, and huffed. “I’m fair-minded, and I understand challenging…family dynamics, but I’m uncomfortable about having a woman who’s forceful in our home. You must understand, my Willy’s a sensitive man—he would never hurt a fly. He’s going to be governor one day, and he needs to marry a woman with less of a troubled past. That’s why we’ve decided that Lana would be a better match for him.”

Staring at Mrs. Belfiore, she looked as shocked as me. This news had been most unexpected. Lana Belfiore, my cousin, had only just graduated from high school yesterday.

“Then why did you come today?” Mrs. Belfiore asked in a curt tone.

Mrs. Ashford jutted her chin. “We’re polite and in civil company. We planned a luncheon, and I always love coming out to Westchester County whenever I leave Nantucket.”

“I also wanted to tell you all in person that I’m very sorry,” Willy said solemnly. His eyes glazed over, and I realized then that, even at his age, he wasn’t free to do whatever he wanted.

“We’d hoped you’d changed your mind, but we see you haven’t,” Mr. Belfiore said in an even tone. “But we had also invited my brother Lawrence, his girlfriend Sybil, and Lana to our lunch. I’m sure they’ll be delighted with the news.” His voice was monotone, his expression blank.

Chime. The doorbell rang, followed by loud chattering before I could say anything.

“Why did I have to come?” a young girl’s voice echoed loudly inside the house. “It’s not like I had to. You already decided.”

“Lana, be quiet,” a woman scolded.

Brenda laughed nervously. “Lana’s so playful. Well, I guess we should move into the dining room?” She raised her penciled brows.

“Yes, I believe that’s best.” Mrs. Belfiore stood and walked with Ms. Ashford. Willy stayed back and mouthed “sorry” to me before he left the room.

“What’s going on, Father?” Mama asked him, her arms crossed.

Mr. Belfiore averted his eyes. “I don’t know how he found out. That case was sealed because she was a minor—”

“Yes, that’s what you promised me,” Mama snapped.

He glared at her. “I’ve no control over whatever connections Ashford has at his disposal. Matches aren’t guaranteed; you should know that by now. Willy was fine with it; his mother was the one who had a problem. We spoke yesterday, and she said she’d sleep on it.”

Mama grimaced and continued to argue, but I tuned them out. No matter what Mama said, the discussion was over.

“Drop it, Lorelei. We’re not alone, and I’ll not tolerate a scene,” Mr. Belfiore hissed and straightened his tie. “You both can have lunch in the sunroom; I’ll excuse your absences.”

“I’m not hungry,” I told him.

He smirked at me. “Then busy yourself with something else. I’m sure you wouldn’t enjoy sitting there with the husband you lost while he makes plans with your cousin.”

I stood. “No, I wouldn’t.”

Mama scoffed. “Since this change, Adelina should stay with me in Connecticut—”

“No. Adelina stays here,” Mr. Belfiore said in an authoritative tone. “You should join Glenn at his golf tournament. We agreed to the graduation and the wedding preparation, but that’s changed, as you can see. I’m upset, too, Lorelei. I missed Adelina’s graduation trying to smooth things over. But your anger around here will only exhaust your mother. You can call her when you return.”

Mama snorted. “You promised me that Mr. Ashford would marry Adelina, but instead of doing something about that, you’re hosting them and kicking me out?”

“Because of you, my brother Lawrence is the head of our family,” he said in a sharp tone. “I have a duty to be cordial now. You see, Lorelei, I put my family first.”

Mama’s face flushed and she lowered her head. “Yeah, well…she’s an adult now. If she wants to come back with me, she can, instead of staying here after being humiliated. What do you want to do, Adelina?”

Mama was emotional because she wanted the best for me. However, I also knew she’d send me back after a day.

I squeezed her hand. “I’m staying here. Let’s have lunch.”

Circumstances had changed and causing a scene wouldn’t make things better. Besides, with Mr. Belfiore’s brother waiting for him back in the dining room, he didn’t have time to micromanage us. We watched him hurry off without another word.

We were silent over our lunch, with Mama spending more of the time on her phone. When we finished, she finally said, “It’ll be fine. My father never has only one option. Okay?”

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