Page 117 of If You Give a Billionaire a Bride

Theo nods. “Yeah.”

“In that case, he’s not leaving,” Everly says, folding her arms across her chest.

I’m not particularly looking forward to being in the middle of their sibling showdown, but I like the idea of Everly wanting me here.

Theo runs his hands through his hair. “Richard called late last night and left me a five-minute voicemail. I thought it was a producer calling me back, and was surprised when I heard his voice. The last time we spoke was the day he walked out on Mom. I’m not even sure how he got my phone number.”

“What did he want?” Everly asks.

“Between the shouting and colorful language, it was hard to follow his message. From what I did understand, he claims Cash married you because Stafford Holdings is acquiring Townstead International and is using your marriage as leverage for a better deal.”

That fucking bastard.

Richard’s erratic behavior makes it clear he’s in a downward spiral. I wonder if he got wind of Harrison’s private investigator, or at the very least, is worried that we’re going to pull out ofthe deal because of the information his team was forced to hand over. It doesn’t make sense that he would reach out to Theo after all these years. If anything, telling him would incentivize usnotto do business with Richard. The problem is that he’s not thinking rationally right now. He’s in a panic and grasping at straws.

I’m counting down the days until he’s out of Everly’s life for good.

“Why didn’t you call me?” she asks Theo.

“Like I said, this isn’t something I wanted to talk about over the phone. I had to make sure you’re okay,” Theo explains, casting me a sideways glance.

“Is there something you want to say to me, Theo?” I interject.

It was only a matter of time until he found out about the acquisition and that it was the reason Everly and I stayed married in the beginning. Though I would have preferred Richard not be the catalyst and to have this conversation somewhere other than my parents’ entryway.

“Did you lie to me about your feelings for Everly? Is it true you married her because of a business deal?” he mutters through gritted teeth.

“Everything I told you was true. Everly and I were tipsy and made an impulsive decision to get married in Vegas.”

“Is Stafford Holdings buying out Townstead International?”

“Yes.”

Theo’s eyes darken, and he steps toward me. Before he can get too close, Everly steps between us, placing her hand on his chest.

“Cash and I planned on getting an annulment,” she says calmly. “I found out about the acquisition the day after we got married. Harrison and Dylan warned us that the optics would look bad if we didn’t stay together, and Dad threatened to fireme if I didn’t wait until after the deal was finished to dissolve our marriage.” Everly’s voice softens toward the end.

Her recount of how things started between us makes me wince. It’s painful to think our marriage started out as happenstance, followed by an unwanted arrangement. We’ve come a long way since then, and the notion of losing her sends a wave of panic through me.

Theo clenches his fists at his side, staring daggers at me. “So, Cash used you?” he questions warily.

Everly shakes her head vehemently. “No, he didn’t. If anything, I used him. He was doing me a favor so Dad wouldn’t fire me, and he’s been nothing but supportive since,” she states boldly. “What you saw when you visited our apartment was genuine,” she adds. “I love Cash.”

A rush of warmth crashes over me as her words sink in. This is the first time she’s openly shared her feelings for me with someone else, and despite the circumstances, I’m elated to hear her heartfelt declaration.

Theo’s eyebrows knit together, attempting to make sense of Everly’s statement.

“Why didn’t you tell me the truth?” he asks, his voice betraying his hurt.

“I was embarrassed about my impulsive decision to get married, and after finding out about the acquisition, I was worried you’d try to intervene if you found out.”

“Damn right I would have.” He sidesteps around her, shoving a finger in my chest. “How the hell could you let this happen? You were supposed to protect her.”

“I did protect her. From your dad. That’s one of the main reasons we decided against getting an annulment, so he wouldn’t—”

“What is going on here?” a loud voice booms, cutting me off. “Theo, what are you doing here so early?”

We all look over to find my parents standing in the hallway. My dad is behind my mom, his hands resting on her shoulders, and she wears an unreadable expression. Based on their demeanor, it’s obvious they overheard our conversation.

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