Page 94 of The Billionaire's Pact

He had broken his promise. Why should I uphold mine? The urge to lash out and walk away was strong, but my immediate concern was for Mama’s safety. “You know I believed you had done more. I’ve kept my end of our bargain. You lied to me, and that’s the truth. Call my mother and tell her to expect my call,” I demanded in a terse tone.

“Insolent. Childish. You’re turning into Lorelei, and I will not allow it,” he barked. “Apologize or I’m ending this call.”

I pursed my lips. “Sorry,” I said in a flat tone.

“Now, I understand you’re angry and I’ll allow you to speak to your mother, but you need to understand that some things happened that were beyond even my control. We saved you, Lorelei, and Jacob; that’s what we did. You need to gain control over your emotions, and don’t call me about your father again,” he hissed and hung up on me.

I took deep breaths to calm down. My mind went on autopilot, bringing up the many soothing ways I’d always used to cover up for my grandparents’ indifference. But I couldn’t get past the nonchalant way my grandfather had handled the worst time of my life. Jail’s not forever? It would have been if they let me and my mother fight him in court…Mama! His release will devastate her.

I had to make sure she was safe. That’s what mattered. I dialed her number.

“Adelina?” she said when she answered.

Relief engulfed me. “Mama?” I breathed, my voice trembling. “How are you?”

“I’m…I’m better, thanks. But you sound upset. Did something happen?” she asked.

I cleared my throat. “I…I don’t know how to tell you this, but Judge Colby…He’s out of jail, Mama.”

The line went silent. I broke out in a sweat. A few more minutes passed, and I finally whispered, “Mama, you there?”

“Yes, Adelina. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. You had your graduation…My parents convinced me that knowing he wasn’t in jail would disturb your studies.”

I ground my teeth and gripped the phone hard enough to hurt my hand. My grandparents had lied. They only did what worked for them. “When?”

“Eric’s been out of jail for about seven months—”

“Yeah, almost a year,” I said, my voice raised. “How could you keep this from me—”

“He’s been gone for years. Besides, my parents have restraining orders—”

I snorted. “I doubt it. A restraining order would be on record. He’s judging again. Have you checked to see if it’s there—”

“What’s this, Adelina?” Mama said indignantly. “I will not stay on a call with you attacking us. The restraining order is real; Glenn showed me the papers. He also has security outside the house. My parents didn’t lie about it. Eric…he hasn’t tried to contact me. He never came to college or contacted you once, right?”

I took off my shoes. “Not that I know of.”

“Because it never happened. Eric signed the divorce papers. I’ve never heard a word from him in eight years. Trust me, if he was still thinking of doing something, he would have done it. He’s moved on.”

Mama was certain, but I wasn’t. Judge Colby was a cunning piece of work. He’d bide his time. Now that my life was public, he’d need his image to remain intact.

“How are you feeling?’ I asked.

“Better. Honestly, I needed a break. I’ve been stressed out, and I agreed with my parents. You needed time together without my influence.”

My heart hurt. She really believed she deserved to lose contact with me.

“It’s your safety that matters to me, Adelina. Eric never liked being backed in a corner and the press alone may very well do it.” I could hear her panic that plagued my childhood when they were together.

I ground my teeth. It was the broken record that almost destroyed our relationship. Her overwhelming concern about making his life easier. Fuck him.

“Where are you now?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Cannes,” I answered abruptly.

“That’s very public. Eric would never risk making a scene. Don’t worry.”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s still out of jail. What should we do?”

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