Page 61 of Hawthorne

“Busy,” I answer. It’s not a lie. “Things have been chaotic ever since the companies have been merged. The nutmeg demand is growing, and so are the prices. Not to mention, Aunt Lizzie’s wine was better than I thought. I already have quite a few countries interested in importing.”

And all that does not even includeamouth-watering brunette that has been messing with my brain.

Edgar chuckles, certainly not letting escape the fact I didn’t ask the same back.

“That is outstanding, but I am not surprised,” Eleanor comments. “You’ve always had a knack for business!”

“A trait he inherited from me,” my mother intervenes, excited.

“Dad taught me all I know,” I correct her, and she huffs, clearly annoyed.

“He was good with numbers, yes, but I was the creative one.”

Right. I nod, not feeding into her ego.

Mother was always busy with the latest rumour and scandal of the court, planning and plotting in favour of her own interests, becoming one of the most influential ladies in the society. But that’s about it. She has never shown interest in my dad’s business…Not until he died and she had to make decisions until I became an adult.

“It’s a shame you’re so busy,” Eleanor breaks me out of my thoughts. “I was hoping to convince you to join me for dinner one of these days; we haven’t been in touch. I would love to catch up.”

Eleanor’s attempt at a sweet tone is a big failure. Her nasal voice never bothered me before, but after being sucked into the black hole that is Camilla White with her sweet singsong voice, it suddenly annoys me.

There wasn’t a clear reason why we broke up…Not other than the fact that I lost interest. We’re so different that every subject she tries to use in a conversation bothers me to death. Eleanor’sinterests don’t go beyond the last luxurious destinations she has gone to, or her friends have gone to…or the last Gucci model purse that has been launched.

I couldn’t care less.

Other women became more interesting, and she agreed when I brought it up. I don’t understand why she is so keen on spending time with me again. It’s been years…

“I’ll let you know if my agenda clears up,” I lie with a tight-lipped smile.

A knock on the service door makes my back stiffen suddenly, and I hastily walk to Edgar’s side, opposite where Eleanor is sitting, to sit down myself. My brother’s the safest option right now, and that’s a wildcard in itself.

“Come in.”

Camilla’s shoulder shows up as one of the double doors moves. She’s opening the door with her back because her hands are busy with the tray.

“Do you always have to interrupt?” my mother snaps.

My blood boils at the same time my fists close on my lap. It’s Edgar’s hand on my shoulder that calms me down—slightly.

“Camilla is here because I asked for tea and biscuits,” I grit out, trying to control my temper.

I shouldn’t even be this riled up about it. She’s only an employee—she made that clear to me last week.

What the fuck was I thinking?She was the sensible one by backing out of it.

Without uttering a single word, she serves us the regular tea, biscuits, and a few scones with some butter and raspberry jam.

“Little Milla,” Edgar’s emphasis on my nickname for her makes my jaw tick, but I keep quiet. “How have you been, sweetheart? I hope my brother here hasn’t been a complete arse to you.”

“Edgar Hawthorne,” Mother gasps, horrified.

“What? We all know Vincent has the worst attitude when things don’t go his way,” he taunts with a devious smirk.

Be damned whoever invented younger brothers.

“Everything’s alright, Your Grace,” Camilla’s answers meekly.Something’s off.“The duke is a good boss.”

“Is he now? I’d like to know more about that.”

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