Page 43 of Delilah In Discretion

“Stop being so melodramatic. If you don’t come, I’m ultimately being left at the mercy of my father, Killian, and Luca—”

“Oh gosh, I forgot he was going to be there.” Sterling rolled his eyes, and Archer nodded.

“Precisely why you need to come. Delilah is also going to be there—”

“Now, that is something I want to see! But I’ll only go on one condition.” Archer made a face as he listened to Sterling’s demand. “I get to say ‘that’s what she said.’”

“Don’t you think that’s a little inappropriate? Children will be there, Sterling.”

“Oh, come on, they don’t even know what it means. What’s the big deal?” Sterling asked, and Archer rubbed his temples.

“God, you’re unbearable. Fine, do as you please; just show up on time, will you?”

“You have my word,” Sterling said with a smile that Archer could see was complete and utter bullshit.

Archer stepped into the limo and saw Stephan across from him. Both dressed in suits, they were ready for the lunch that Archer knew for sure would turn into a total shitshow. He knew this was Brielle’s way of trying to mend a few broken things between Killian and his father.

How can you try to fix a friendship that never really started in the first place?

He decided to let it go. Brielle had good intentions, and if she were anything like his stepmother, Vivienne, he knew she meant well. He knew they got along well and were most likely even friends. He wouldn’t be surprised if the two of them set this up together.

“This isn’t just a simple lunch, Archer. Father is looking to close a business deal. Something you know nothing about,” Stephan said.

Archer went to reply, but Sterling’s voice rang out as he entered the limo and sat beside him.

“You know, I don’t think he ever asked for your opinion.”

Archer resisted the urge to chuckle, and Stephan rolled his eyes.

“I know you’re not good at making friends, Archer, but you’ve stooped far too low on this one.”

“Well, at least I have the charm and decency to actually talk to people as human beings,” Archer responded, and Stephan scoffed.

“Oh please, you wouldn’t know the first thing about charming people, much less speaking to them without trying to control them.”

“And you know any better?” Archer asked, leaning forward and placing his elbows on his knees, ready for his next offense. Their bickering, however, was cut off by their mother’s voice.

“Cut it out, Stephan; you should know better. Archer, no need to prolong anything unnecessary. And Sterling, don’t be an instigator,” she said tiredly.

Archer ignored Stephan’s harsh gaze as he looked over to her and sighed.

“Gosh, this is going to be a long day,” Vivienne remarked, and Archer looked over at her curiously.

“Why—” he started, but was cut off by his father’s voice.

“Quite honestly, I don’t see the point in going together in the same car. I have other matters to attend to after this—” They heard him ramble, and Vivienne sighed as she coaxed her husband into finally entering the car.

After a small conversation with little to no input from Stephan, they reached the destination and stepped out of the vehicle. Archer noticed the Masahiko family, Porter family, and Crawfords, but he didn’t see the Russels... yet.

They went inside, and Calvin was the first to speak to the men, who stood by the entrance awaiting their table. Andrew also walked over, and Archer watched as it was another face-off between the men. He didn’t care to listen to what they had to say as he was busy looking around the room for Delilah.

“Say hello, children,” Archer heard Killian say, and he looked up to see Delilah standing in an elegant baby blue dress with her hair in voluminous curls and white heels. Her makeup was minimal, but Archer didn’t stare at the details; he just saw her. She looked over to him, noticing his gaze, and spoke softly.

“Hi…”

Archer responded as he tilted his head slightly, “Hello… Delilah.”

Chapter fifteen

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