Page 55 of Ruthless Heir

“But they’re a huge rock band. Imagine the phone calls she had to take.”

Thanks, Layla. We just met and I like her already.

“Harper St. John, is that you?” comes a distinguished voice from behind me.

I look around and find Preston Le Blanche, Asher’s father, standing in the doorway.

When he sees me the biggest smile spreads across his face.

The last time I saw him was at my father’s funeral, and he was so kind to me, like always.

When I was a child he and his wife used to spoil me rotten because they never had a daughter. I owned dresses from every country they visited, and candies and cakes galore.

“Mr. Le Blanche.” I rush over to meet him and he gives me a quick hug.

“Oh, please, call me Preston.” He smirks. “We’re practically family.”

What a nice thing to say. “Thank you. It’s so great to see you.”

“And you. How are you, my dear?”

“Good. I just moved back to New York. I’m finishing up my studies at NYU. I came by to see Asher before he gets sucked into his busy schedule.”

For some reason his eyes brighten on hearing that. “Oh, I see.”

The vibrant look in his eyes increases when he looks across at Asher.

It doesn’t seem as if Preston knows I’m staying with Asher, so I don’t make him any wiser.

“Well, I’ll let you guys catch up. Come to family dinner when you’re free. Our doors are always open to you. My wife would love to see you. I believe she picked up a few things for you at Fashion Week.”

“Oh my God. Thanks, I’ll definitely be there.”

“We look forward to seeing you.” He dips his head for a curt nod then gives Asher an approving stare. “We’ll speak later.”

“Yes, Father.”

I don’t know why but I get the feeling there’s something going on here. Something I’m not privy to but I feel like I’ve just become a part of it.

Preston casts me another warm grin before he departs.

“Layla, I need to speak to Harper alone,” Asher says in a stiff tone.

“Of course.” She nods then looks at me. “I hope I see you again soon.”

“Me too. I guess that’s up to boss man.”

Her eyes brighten and she giggles. “Boss man. Girl after my own heart. I call him that, too.”

She casts a look back at Asher then saunters away, leaving us. Leaving me.

When I look back at Asher I feel like I’m in trouble again. Although I’ve done very little.

“Harper, why on earth do you want to work here? Please tell me it’s not to irritate the hell out of me, because you do that enough at home.”

“Iirritate you at home?” I’m not supposed to argue with him if I want the job but I can’t help it. “Didn’t we just call a truce the other day?”

“We did, but now you’re here at my workplace.”

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