Page 28 of Flowers Near Me

Laura’s face scrunched. “Why would he read the messages on your phone?”

“To ensure I don’t compromise the brand.”

“Can he do that?” Laura eyed Hades.

Persephone nodded. “To be fair, Mom does it too.”

“Course she does. Most paranoid goddess in Olympus.”

With a shrug, Persephone replied, “She’s careful.”

Laura lowered her voice. “What else is included in this contract? Hand holding? Kissing? Sex?”

Persephone swallowed hard, trying to keep a serious face. “You wouldn’t believe the vile things I have to do. He’s depraved.”

Mouth agape, Laura put her hands on her sister’s arm. “Damn the Fates. Like what? Shit. I should’ve filed a police report.”

Persephone giggled, which prompted Laura to swat Persephone’s arm.

“Seriously?”

“I had you there for a second.” She laughed. “No, nothing physical beyond living in the apartment. It’s mostly public appearances and acting like we’re a couple. He thinks it’ll help sell the app.” Persephone worried her lip. “Laura, why did you let Hades in your house yesterday? Did he threaten you?” In the chaos, Persephone didn’t think to question it, but now with her sister here, she wondered what had happened before she’d got back to the townhouse.

Laura shook her head. “No, he was polite.” She hesitated, as if replaying the moment in her mind. “It was a shock to see him, but right after he introduced himself, he said he was there to rescue you from Demeter’s Bounty. And honestly? That was the best thing he could’ve said.”

Persephone’s brows shot up. “What? How is that a good thing?”

Laura sighed. “Because maybe this is the push you needed to get out from under Mom’s rule.” Her voice softened. “You know she controls everything. Despite how much money you’ve made for her company, she barely acknowledges your work.”

How could anyone understand her working relationship with her mom? “I do get credit. I make?—”

Laura cut her off with a firm shake of her head. “Mom has never given you your due, Sephy. She loves you, I know that. But she treats you like an asset, not a daughter.”

“And you don’t think…” She motioned her head toward Hades, eyeing him from across the room. “That he sees me the same way?”

Laura shrugged. “Maybe he does. But at least he’s putting you out there instead of keeping you hidden while taking credit for your work. He wants you to be a spokesperson. At DB, you built an entire grocery delivery system from the ground up, and whose name is on it? Mom’s. Not yours.”

“It’s her company.”

“Exactly. And it always will be.” Laura crossed her arms. “This flower app? It’s going to be yours.”

“It’s Underworld Unlimited’s.” Her sister didn’t understand how these things worked. But even if Laura’s faith in Hades was misplaced, it felt good to have her in her corner.

Laura leaned in. “Before you got back to the house yesterday, I overheard some of Hades’ conversation with Mom.”

A wary knot twisted in Persephone’s stomach. “And?”

“He told her he couldn’t believe a goddess would be so jealous of her own daughter that she’d hold her back from greatness.”

Persephone’s lips parted. “He probably wanted you to hear that.”

“Maybe. But that doesn’t make him wrong.” Laura’s expression was resolute in a way Persephone seldom saw. “You know what else? He talked about how sharp you are. How everyone in the city respects you. How humble you must be, considering you never seek the spotlight.”

Something conflicted came over Laura’s face. “I’ve never heard Mom say half as many good things about you in all my life.”

Persephone swallowed. “He’s a flatterer.”

Her sister’s voice softened. “Call it flattery if you want. But I think he actually sees your greatness and wants to unlock it. Not exploit it like Mom does.”

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