Page 17 of Obsessed Heir

“Wonderful, my dear,” Miss Opal responds warmly, though the weariness remains evident in her tone.

Barron’s exhale might have been a little more pronounced than usual. I fight every instinct not to cringe outwardly. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about his mother drawing attention to me.

Despite her tired admission, the atmosphere doesn’t reflect the spirit. I could almost feel the waves of hatred radiating off Barron as we waited for the X-ray.

He blames me for the accident. While he’s not totally wrong, I would never purposely hurt Miss Opal. Still, I should have been more aware of the situation when I left her unattended. His resentment may be well deserved, even if the extent is a little excessive.

The elevator stops, holding steady, as if the brakes were applied to keep it in place. The doors open to a landing with a full-length mirror. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases sit on either side, leading in opposite directions.

James exits first, allowing me to follow, then moves aside so he’s out of the way. He flashes me a reassuring smile. I’m sure it’s intended to silently convey he understands the tension Barron’s moods create.

After working with the man, it would be impossible for James not to recognize Barron’s simmering annoyance. What’s worse, there’s no way to defuse the situation.

Barron maneuvers Miss Opal’s chair out next then stops abruptly in the middle of the small alcove. He allows James to lead us down the hallway. The steward swipes his key card again over the familiar brushed-metal panel beside the entrance. It’s part of the same security system Miss Opal has at home.

The light on the top turns green, and heavy thunks sound as multiple high-security locks disengage in rapid succession. James grasps the handle, turning it as he pushes the door open. Disappearing inside, he holds it while Barron goes through. Luckily, this doorway is wide enough that he doesn’t have to worry about hitting the wheels this time.

While I linger in the hallway, I peek at the book titles on the nearby shelves. They’re bestsellers, all of them. The genres varyfrom true crime to mysteries to business. The collection offering a glimpse into the reading tastes of the cruise’s elite clientele.

Barron clears the doorway, the entrance wide enough that he doesn’t have to worry about hitting the wheels this time. James peeks out and motions for me to follow them. I hesitate, fighting the urge to make the sign of the cross. Though I’m not sure it would do a lick of good in this situation.

Squaring my shoulders, I force myself to move in a brisk clip. I close the door in time to hear Miss Opal exclaim, “My goodness. This is lovely. You’d think we were in a home.”

The expansive sitting area has two plush couches and a pair of overstuffed armchairs in buttery leather. It allows people to chat or watch television monitors on the walls.

In one corner, there’s a fully stocked bar with several stools. Built-in wall racks hold a glittering array of liquor bottles, secured by a metal rod running across the front.

A woman wearing a stylish red dress emerges from around the corner, casually sipping from a water bottle.

“Hello, Mrs. McClelland,” she greets Miss Opal, sounding warm and chipper. “I’m Holly.” She leans in slightly, a hand resting on her chest to prevent her red dress from gapping.

“I’ll show you the rooms,” James whispers as he shuts the door. “If you’d like.”

“Yes, please.” I nod enthusiastically, trying to make a quiet exit before Miss Opal pulls me into the conversation that would include Barron.

“Follow me,” he whispers, so we don’t disturb the introductions.

We start along the side of the room as Holly straightens with a jingle of bracelets.

“It’s lovely to meet you,” Miss Opal replies, regaining some of her usual charm.

We’ve speculated about Holly and Barron’s relationship over the years. Her presence here, in Barron’s personal quarters, puts her in the friends-with-benefits zone, at the very least. He’s never shared much about his relationships, but she called to invite Miss Opal to the inaugural cruise.

“I’m so sorry. I heard what happened.” Holly’s expression is full of empathy as she glances my way.

I offer a quick smile then lower my gaze, returning my attention to James. Maybe we’ll make it by without distracting them.

“That’s Abby,” Miss Opal pipes up, stopping me mid-step. “Come say hello, dear.”

And just like that, any hope of fading into the background evaporates. While I don’t move any closer, I turn and face them, mustering up a smile. “Hello, ma’am.”

“Hi there,” she replies in that same friendly lilt, her interest obviously piqued as she gives me a once-over. “And there’s no need for the ma’am. I’m Holly.”

“Thank you,” I murmur, trying not to encourage more conversation.

“She’s my ward, companion, assistant,” Miss Opal continues, explaining my presence, while Holly listens attentively. “And the closest to a daughter I’ll ever have,” she adds with unmistakable affection.

Her words warm my heart then, from the corner of my eye, I catch Barron stiffening.Oh, no.Dread washes over me. The innocent words would have unintentionally wounding implications to her son, being her actual flesh-and-blood.

---