Page 34 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

Brunch was as delicious as I had known it would be. Everything with the Carringtons was first-class, and it was quite an experience to sit at their table, as if I were one of them, as if I were on the same level with these very influential people. Mitchum was a legend and wielded enormous power when it came to the hotel resort business. A few good words in his magazine or spoken to his counterparts could triple our business.

But as the conversation flowed around the table, I wondered how Mitchum really felt about the resort. He seemed a bit more reticent in his praise than the others, and I wondered why. It wasn't until we got to dessert that his attitude made more sense.

"What about the rumors, Victor?" Mitchum asked.

"I never discuss rumors," Victor said, a new edge to his voice.

"I heard you may be selling off some of your properties to offset the losses in Newport Beach and Florida," Mitchum said, ignoring Victor's comment. "Is that true?"

"Of course it's not true," Bennett interjected before his father could answer. "We would never sell our properties to anyone outside the family."

Mitchum's gaze stayed on Victor. "Is that correct, Victor? Is it a rumor?"

"Yes," Victor said. "Which is why I don't discuss rumors, Mitchum. Now, we've talked enough business. I thought you all might enjoy seeing some of my private collection. It hasn't all arrived yet, but I do have a few pieces I think you might enjoy."

"I would love to see your collection," Olivia said. "And while I know you don't like to discuss rumors…I heard you might have acquired the Heart of Eternity."

"What's that?" I asked.

"It's a legendary blue diamond in the shape of an unbreakable heart," Olivia said. "It went missing during the French Revolution and was lost for centuries. But rumors have been flying that it was discovered at a very old French estate, and it was sold to a private owner. I would very much like to see it."

Victor's smile was both smug and secretive. "That is quite a rumor, Olivia. I would very much like to see that, too. But today, I'll be showing you a very old manuscript, a painting by Ferdinand Bol, and other treasures that are quite impressive."

"Speaking of diamonds," Leah said. "I wanted to discuss an idea that I ran by Megan earlier. I was wondering if you might consider offering a signature diamond ring for couples who want to get married at a Carrington resort. Since you are a well-known collector of art and gems, it could be an interesting tie-in. We could partner with a jeweler of your choosing. It would add something extra special to potential brides. It doesn't have to be a ring. It could be a pendant or a bracelet with a special clasp, something to remember the day by. Of course, if this incredible blue diamond that Olivia just mentioned did come to be in your possession, we could do an offshoot of that."

"It's an interesting idea," Victor said. "What do you think, Paula?"

Paula gave her husband a sharp look, something passing between them. Then she said, "I like the idea of a signature piece. Since Lauren wore the teardrop diamond from your mother during her wedding and it was featured in all the photos and videos, we should tie into that. We can also tell your mother's story, which will give it even more of a Carrington feel."

"I like that, too," Megan said. "But I'm also intrigued by the Heart of Eternity. The Unbreakable Heart would make a hell of a slogan for the campaign. Or maybe we could do more than one piece. We could have a bridal jewelry collection, pieces offered exclusively to brides who hold their weddings at one of our resorts."

"That would sell like crazy," Leah agreed.

"All excellent ideas," Victor said. "Definitely something to consider."

"We should do more than consider it," Bennett interjected. "We should make it happen. Why don't I run with that idea?"

"We'll talk about it later," Victor told his son. "If we do it, I want to do it right."

"I wouldn't do it any other way," Bennett snapped.

"Why don't we go upstairs?" Paula suggested, cutting into the sudden tension in the room. "We may not have a famous diamond to show you, but Victor has some other beautiful pieces in the gallery."

As the group got up from the table, Andrew took my hand, holding me back as the others left the dining room. "What did Paula want to talk to you about?"

"We can talk about it later," I replied.

Andrew didn't look happy with my response, but I didn't want to talk about Allison again, especially not right now. We headed up the stairs to the second floor, where a man in a suit stood outside an open door. He looked like private security, reminding me that this collection was probably similar to something I might find in a museum, and it was strange to think it was in someone's vacation home.

But as soon as I stepped into the gallery, I left the vacation villa behind as I entered what felt like another world. The room was cool and pristine, the air carefully controlled to protect the treasures it housed. Glass display cases lined the walls…some empty, others filled with artifacts so exquisite they seemed almost unreal: A ceremonial mask carved from ivory. An illuminated manuscript that looked like it belonged in a cathedral. A jeweled box that could have been plucked from a queen’s boudoir.

Victor's voice was rich with enthusiasm as he described each piece. It was clear that Victor had an understanding and appreciation for art and history that had driven his desire to possess these incredible artifacts.

Andrew seemed captivated as well, asking detailed questions that surprised me a little. I hadn't seen this side of him before. I'd had no idea he also knew a lot about history and art. It was interesting but also unsettling—another reminder of how little I truly knew about my husband. But it was fine if we were still getting to know each other. Life was a series of discoveries, and we would grow together through our marriage.

As Victor talked about the manuscript on display in one of the cases, my glance moved across the room. Ethan Stark came through another door, a tablet in hand, speaking quietly with someone whose uniform implied he was a security tech. When their conversation was over, Ethan moved toward our group.

"Making progress, Ethan?" Victor asked.

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