Page 244 of The Billionaires

“We only met yesterday,” I say. “Don’t sweat it.”

Met yesterday. I can’t believe it. It feels like I’ve been on this crazy ride with him for weeks.

“Does that mean you’ll go?” he asks.

I bite my lip. “I’m not sure. I’d have to do makeup and hair, plus?—”

“I’ll have a team of professionals do all that for you. Say yes.”

“Don’t forget to invite him over,” Mom shouts from behind the door.

Dammit. Was she eavesdropping this whole time?

“Did I hear someone say something about an invite?” Adrian asks.

“That was my mother,” I say with an eyeroll. “I told her what’s going on, so she’s naturally curious about my fiancé. My sister is dying to meet you too.”

“I’d love to stop by,” Adrian says. “How about in an hour? I can help you deal with the overabundance of flowers.”

My pulse picks up pace, and my face feels like it’s about to catch on fire. “It’s a bad idea.”

“No, it’s not!” Mom shouts from behind the door.

How did she overhear what Adrian said? Or did she guess?

I chew on the inside of my cheek. “If you come here, you might change your mind about marrying me.”

“I won’t,” he says with great confidence.

“Fine. Come over,” I say grudgingly. “But you’ve been warned.”

Mom squeals from behind the door.

Miss Miller never thought she’d need to express this opinion, but squealing isn’t ladylike, nor are any other sounds typically produced by farm animals.

“Can I bring Leo?” Adrian asks. “I don’t have a sitter at the moment.”

“What happened to Tiffany?” I ask, doing my best not to sound jealous and probably failing.

“Long story,” he says. “The paintings and statues we discussed yesterday are now gone from the gallery, and their subjects have new employment. Hmm. I guess it’s not such a long story.”

“Why?” No way was it for me.

“I realized the artworks could be weaponized against me at the hearing. And so could the fact that their subjects were working for me,” he says. “I have you to thank for making me realize this and take steps.”

As I figured, not for me. “You’re welcome?”

“Seriously, thanks,” he says.

“Don’t mention it.” The sooner I can forget about the women he’s been with, the happier our “marriage” will be. “Take Leo and come over.”

“Who is Leo?” Mom screams from behind the door.

“See you soon,” Adrian says and hangs up.

I leave my room and give Mom a death glare. “Leo is his dog.”

“Ah, great. When are they both coming?”

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