Page 85 of Bitter Secrets

As she started on a fresh martini espresso, she found herself wondering what her life would have been like if she stayed with Ford. He’d been so teeth-achingly polite, but over time, they would have gotten to know each other and grown closer, right? And even if they hadn’t, she would have kids out of their union, which could make up for almost anything. She would never have that with Roth. She shifted in her chair, briefly looking away from Penelope to give herself a moment, and used the opportunity to wave down the server for another drink and caught Johan’s frown.

“I can’t believe it’s been seven, almost eight years since we saw each other. Can you believe how far we’ve come?”

She hadn’t gone anywhere, but, “You got the family you always wanted.”

Penelope’s expression softened. “I did. I couldn’t be happier.”

When they were kids, Penelope would beg her to play groom to escort her down the aisle while she smiled graciously at imaginary spectators. Her friend wanted nothing more than to get married and have children, and got her wish. Frederick was perfect for her. Maybe Ford wouldn’t have ticked all her boxes, but if she possessed even a fraction of the contentment Penelope had, it would have been worth it. Instead, she had thrown it away for a man who saw her as a means to an end. Her stomach churned from one too many martini espressos, but that didn’t stop her from reaching for another.

Everything Roth did was systematic and deliberate. It was no coincidence that he was doing business with Frederick Baldacci. And, by default, the Davies since the families were intrinsically linked. She had known Penelope since they were five years old. There were countless prominent figures Roth could choose in London, so why infiltrate such a close family friend?

Her fingers restlessly tapped her thigh as she tried to focus, but Penelope’s rapid topic changes made it difficult, and her friend wasn’t asking for much input so… Why had Roth insisted on such heavy media coverage to announce their marriage? Did the announcement give him some type of leverage in a deal, or was he going to use it to control, punish, and humiliate her in the future?

As Penelope’s phone chimed, she peered at the screen and beamed. “Guess who Frederick is with.”

“No idea.”

Penelope giggled and smacked her shoulder. “You’re hilarious. He’s with your husband, silly, at a business luncheon. Should we crash it?”

“No.”

Penelope dropped cash on the table and tugged Jasmine off her chair. “You have to see Frederick, and I’m sure your husband’s dying to see you. It’s been a couple of hours, after all.” Penelope elbowed her side. “I would have insisted on a month-long honeymoon and not allowed Freddy to do any business, but…” Penelope gave her a thoughtful look and nodded. “Maybe you two really are meant for each other. You allow him to be who he is, and you’ve always liked your alone time, so I guess it works out, doesn’t it?”

“I…” Her thoughts scrambled as Penelope ushered her to the door. Jasmine planted her feet and hauled back on Penelope’s surprisingly firm grip.

“Mrs. Roth?” Mo asked as he and Johan rose from a nearby table, gaining Penelope’s attention.

“Jasmine,” she snapped irritably.

Penelope stared at the men and whispered, “You have bodyguards?”

“Yes.”

“You Americans and your security,” Penelope muttered before she gave Mo and Johan a brilliant smile. “Can you give us a lift?” Penelope didn’t wait for their agreement, but hooked her arm through Jasmine’s and led her toward the exit. “I have to call the nanny to let her know I won’t be back in time to pick up the boys from school.”

“No, I really think you need to be there for them,” she said earnestly, but Penelope ignored her.

When they were in the car, Penelope paused long enough to give Mo an address before she called the nanny. Jasmine took the opportunity to check her phone, which had no messages or missed calls from Roth.

When Penelope finished her call, she said, “I don’t think we should disturb their meeting.”

“Don’t be silly. Men are always happy to have business interrupted by beautiful women.”

She blinked. They may have grown up in similar circles, but they had grown up in different worlds. Her father would have lost his mind if she showed up uninvited to a business luncheon, but Penelope was secure in the fact that she was always welcome. What did that feel like? Her father taught her to stay out of the way, and Roth was no different. Now that he had her under his thumb, he was back to ignoring her, which is what she knew would happen all along. He tended to her during their courtship, but once they married, he moved away, and she was lucky to see him once every other month. Maybe he came clean about manipulating her so that he didn’t have to act this time around. The last thing he wanted was her showing up when he was conducting business. In that respect, he and her father were identical. They didn’t like surprises or distractions.

She opened her mouth, but Penelope held up a finger when her phone rang. She answered with, “You will notbelievewho I’m with!”

Jasmine dragged her finger across her neck, which made Penelope snicker.

“I’m with the newlywed right now,” Penelope announced and held out the phone.

Jasmine leaned away from her and mouthed,Who is it?

Penelope put the caller on speakerphone. “Here she is.”

“I can’t believe I had to find out with the rest of the world.”

The sulky Russian tone made her straighten. “Kira?”

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