Page 566 of Filthy Elites

I couldn’t make sense of a word she was saying, but I let her talk.

“The other men and I knew the drill. All of us were into what you’d call a different lifestyle. Your father joined us for a fun party, once, but he wasn’t one of us.”

“Wait a minute.” I was going to throw up. “You’re saying you were, like, having orgies?”

Please no. Just, please, anything but that.

“I’m not going to go into it in detail, Chase. I was twenty-three, single, and hurting no one. When you were born, we did a test and figured out Xavier was your father.” She paused, trying to find her words, or giving me a moment to process that horror story. “My father always wanted an alliance with this family. The Archers owned land and resorts. He was in casinos. He pushed for a union. So did Xavier’s dad, your grandfather.”

Mom’s dad died when I was young, but I’m still close to my father’s father. We’d just eaten with him hours ago.

“They could tell neither Xavier nor I were inclined to tie the knot, so my father amended his will. You see, his money and all of his possessions go to you.”

I knew that. I’m supposed to get access to my inheritance when I hit twenty-five.

“So long as I stay married to Xavier. The way he wrote his will, Xavier could ask for a divorce without your inheritance being at risk, but Xavier’s dad also wants the union. I inherited shares of Thorn Industries from my mother. Those shares give us, as a family, a powerful voice in that company. Between your grandfather and I, we have twenty-one percent. The Thorns themselves only have twenty-four. Take my shares away, and your grandad only has twelve percent.”

I was getting a headache. “So, Grandad is making my father stay married to you, and your dad’s will is making you stay married to him?” I shook my head. “But why do they have to force your hands? You guys are happy together.”

At least, they used to be. I remember them laughing together, going on dates, having fun.

Mom took a big gulp of wine. “Xavier and I are good friends, Chase. We always have been, we always will be. And over the years, we’ve even occasionally dated. But we don’t have a true relationship. We’re your parents, we’re married, but we’re not in love. We never have been.”

I could only stare at her.

“Audrey… They met at work, and I don’t think it was meant to be more than a fling at first, but things grew for both of them. She’s a good woman, Chase. When Xander hit on her, she said no. He asked me to talk to her, explain that he wasn’t some sleazy asshole wanting to cheat on his doting wife. I like her a lot. I think, if circumstances were different, they might have been married by now. As things stand, Erica doesn’t want to meet Xavier because she doesn’t approve, and you’re acting like a dick—to Audrey, to her daughter, to your father.” She finished what was left of her drink. “Sometimes, I wonder if the money’s worth it. But it’s yours, so I’ll protect it. We’ve lasted eighteen years. What’s another seven? I just thought you should know. No one’s cheating on anyone here. Hell, I’ve had more relationships than your father over the years.”

Done pulverizing the world I thought I knew, she got to her feet, leaned in to kiss my forehead and left me to stew over how much of an asshole I’d been. And an idiot. I thought I had every right to make Audrey pay for ruining my family. If Audrey could mess with my parents, I should do what I wanted with her daughter. In my warped mind, it had somehow made sense. Now, all my shields, all my excuses are gone.

Audrey’s dating my dad. They’re in a relationship. In love, or whatever. My mother’s fine with it.

Where does that leave me? No clue. What I know is, the moment I saw her come back to the house, Ihadto see Erica. Talk to her. Maybe apologize, I don’t know.

She didn’t want to see me. Why would she? I’ve been nothing but cruel, demanding, demeaning. And for the first time, I didn’t force my way in. I have a key. I could have. But I don’t have a right to barge into her life unwanted. Not anymore.

ChapterTwenty-One

I have somuch work to do.

I didn’t see Audrey last night, but I texted her to ask if she could help me for an hour or two in the next few days. In the meantime, I have to familiarize myself with the existing research on the subject, procure an aquarium to algaculture, order some strains and buy jars for my natural samples. I also have to investigate optimal conditions to grow algae, and so many other things. The fair’s in two fucking months!

I’m lost in my own mind, so oblivious to anything around me, I’m stunned to come face-to-face with Chase.

I hate that my heart sees fit to race. I hate the way I can’t help the heat gathering inside me at his mere presence.

“Oh,” I say, rather dumbly.

“Oh,” he echoes, scowling.

I circle him to get to the gates.

“Come on, I’ll drive you.”

“Pass,” I call back without turning.

I haven’t even made it to the neighbor’s lawn when his stupid Jeep slides to a crawl next to me. He doesn’t say a word, but he keeps driving alongside me, succeeding in completely unnerving me. “Why don’t you leave me alone?” I finally ask.

Chase rolls down his window. “Sorry?”

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