Page 126 of Enthrall
“Emily was pregnant.”
“Three months.” Cameron clicked away until all evidence of my search had been closed. “Terrible ordeal.”
“I’m so sorry.”
His gaze found me again. “No harm done.”
“Richard and I visited His Lai Temple,” I said. “He told me everything.”
“Good.”
“His father lost all those people their money.”
“That’s an understatement. Edwin Sheppard crippled the financial system and left a wake of devastation.” He lifted his hand off the mouse. “Did Richard tell you about the death threats against him?”
I shook my head, having not even thought of the consequences raging a war even now.
“He’s safe here.” Cameron glanced at the screensaver, taking in the Japanese garden that Richard had set for me. “Mia, I owe you an apology.”
“I don’t think you do.”
“When I heard about you from Tara, I decided you’d be perfect for my patient.” He tilted his head. “As you know, Richard isn’t only my best friend.”
I tried to remember if I’d turned the air-con on and couldn’t.
“Months ago,” he said, “Tara showed me a photo of her girlfriend Bailey. Mia, you were also in that photo. When Tara told me she was leaving I asked her to encourage you to apply for her position. Of course you’re stunning. There’s no question about that. You radiate a rare beauty. Natural and breathtaking. A striking combination. What I had also hoped for was you’d be as endearing as you looked.” He peered at me beneath dark lashes. “You are. You’re enigmatic. That trick you pulled when you asked for your job back in Richard’s office made me believe I was some kind of genius.”
“You lured me here?”
He reached into his pocket and removed a white envelope. “You’ve accomplished everything I could have hoped for and more. You’ve outdone yourself. You’ve achieved what the rest of us failed to do and that is rescue Richard from himself. His addiction to danger is dissipating thanks to you.”
I stared at the envelope.
“I knew Richard would fall for you,” he said. “But this result went far beyond my expectations.”
I couldn’t bear to hear anymore. My legs felt unsteady again and a surge of adrenaline gave me what I needed to run.
“At your housewarming party,” said Cameron, “Bailey told me about your dream of becoming a fashion designer.” He leaned forward. “In this envelope is your ticket to freedom.”
“What do you mean?”
“Come here,” he commanded. “Your work is done.”
I stepped forward and took the envelope from him, hands shaking, heart aching.
“This check will provide enough money for you to enroll in the college of your choice. Set yourself up and live well for quite some time. Money’s no issue. I come from old money. If you want more, text me. There’s an endless supply.” He glanced over at the screen. “I’m sure if you’ve Googled me too you’d have confirmed that.”
I hadn’t, but now I wished I had. Maybe somewhere in that search I’d have found something to enlighten me on what kind of man Cameron really was. Was this blackmail or merely his way of getting rid of me? Had I come between him and Richard, his protégé?
“Are you sending me away?” I said.
“I’m giving you your freedom. A relationship with Richard means crossing the line into our world and never looking back. This is not who you are. Quite frankly, you’re not that type of girl.”
My gaze found my Frederick’s bag.
As did his.
He peeked inside and caught a glimpse of my corset. “Honesty with oneself is the most important factor in finding true happiness.”
