Page 100 of Bittersweet Revenge

“How–”

“How do I know all this?” She laughed. “Being the idiot wife helped me, Esme – being underestimated was my strength. Use this information wisely. I believe in you.”

We were leaving our room when Caleb exited his with Archie on his tail. They were both stunning in their custom-made tuxedos. There was so much power in these two guys. They were forces to be reckoned with.

I reached up and touched the wings necklace Caleb had bought me. For some reason it made me feel safer to wear it.

His eyes followed my hand. He flashed me a little smile as he moved his arms a little to show me the cufflinks I'd bought him.

Wanting to be close to him, I took a couple of steps toward him. When I extended my hand, he eagerly took it and kissed the back of it.

“Angel, you’re stunning,” he whispered, his eyes shining with love and adoration.

I took a step closer, leaning against him. “You look super-hot. Tonight I’ll make you strip,” I whispered. I kissed his cheek gently, making sure not to leave any lipstick on his skin.

“Oh God, you two are adorable!” Sophia beamed, resting her hands on her heart. “Archibald, let’s go down and let everyone know the lovely couple is on their way.”

She turned to me and gave me a look full of meaning. Be careful, be discreet and be smart – I could see it all on her face.

“What was that all about?” Caleb asked when they disappeared down the corridor.

“She’s on our side. We made mistakes and she fixed them. I–” I turned toward Caleb. “She is our ally.”

Caleb looked down at me, detailing my face. “Maybe, but she is in it for something.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”

He chuckled. “She knows we’re after your father?”

I nodded.

“Yeah,” he said as we started down the corridor slowly. “Imagine what her life would be like if your father was gone? Rich and no strings attached. Please, Esmeralda, I’m not saying she won't be a decent help, I’m just saying there’s no help without ulterior motives.”

“Oh yeah? If it’s true, then you’ve got an ulterior motive too.”

“Of course!” he scoffed as we started down the stairs where our families were waiting for us.

“And what is it?”

“You, Esmeralda Forbes, always you.”

Butterflies invaded my stomach and I squeezed his arm tighter.

As soon as we reached the foot of the stairs, I was swept into a hug by James. He hugged me longer and tighter than necessary. We were then led into the main room where we were welcomed by applause. After thirty minutes of congratulations, people finally concentrated on their own groups and discussions again.

Archie came toward us, a sly smile on his face. “So, future brother-in-law, may I challenge you to a game of pool?” he asked, slapping Caleb on the back.

“Can I join?” Antoine asked, clapping his hands together.

“Of course!” Archie took a sip of his drink. “I’ll enjoy destroying you both.”

I laughed. I knew it was all a ploy; there would not be any game. Archie would slip out by the games room window and go home, while Caleb looked through his father's things, and Antoine monitored the situation from the feeds on his phone.

“Brother, let me give you a hug for good luck.” I pulled him to me and whispered in his ear everything Sophia had told me.

He pulled back, his hands on my shoulders, his eyes full of wonder and incredulity.

I nodded with a small smile. “Trust me, please,” I whispered.

---