Page 39 of Ruthless Financier
No. I needed to fix this. I clenched my napkin in my hands like that might help me wrangle the situation as I said, “It was a business relationship, initially. But once we met in person …”
“You saw the chance to make a profit?” the blue-eyed woman said, raising her eyebrows.
“He’s a good man. That’s why I said yes.”
The woman in purple, wearing an amethyst pin of a bird on her blouse, nodded. She said, “Right. And it wasn’t the 250 billion in his bank accounts, or the various financial holdings that make him one of the richest men in the world.”
The other woman corrected her. “Sharon, it’s more like 550 billion in his accounts right now.”
I noticed the huge diamond on her hand. I had no engagement ring, and my left hand was still bare so I kept mine off the table and out of sight.
Sharon nodded and said, “Either way, there are few men as wealthy as him. And even fewer single, attractive ones.”
I didn’t blink at all as I said, “He’s not single anymore.”
The woman with the diamond ring also had a matching necklace that sparkled so much it could blind someone in direct sunlight. She asked, “So tell me, what kind of prenup did you sign?”
My mother had been a quiet woman who never questioned anything. She’d never been nosy like these women. But these women stood their ground like they’d be able to stomp out any interference with their lives with one swift kick of their flats. So I squared my shoulders and said, “A standard one.”
Even in the shade of the restaurant, diamond lady glittered in the light from the window, practically blinding me for a minute as she asked, “One where he gets everything and you get nothing?”
I crossed my arms in front of myself and tilted my head, “No. If he cheats, I get … paid.”
Sharon tapped my arm and said, “Interesting. You had some lawyer.”
I realized they had both noticed my bare ring finger and I pushed my hands back down to stop any questions.
I’d not had time to consult a lawyer, but I simply said, “No, we had an adult conversation about fidelity. Jacob is wonderful, which makes him easy to love. He doesn’t let many people see his good side.”
Sharon patted my arm again like we were friends, “You sound like you’re in love. Will you be at Nora’s party this evening?”
I glanced at my iced tea as I shook my head, “I don’t know Nora.”
The sparkling beauty pressed her hand to her heart and said, “I’m right here. Nora Robinson.”
Now I had a name. I nodded and offered to shake hands, “Nice to meet you, Nora.”
She had a strong grip as she said, “You and Jacob should come to the party. Jacob’s father is flying in and he’s probably dying to meet you.”
My eyes widened and adrenaline coursed through me. I covered my lips and my entire body was tense for a moment. I saw Jacob through the window. He probably didn’t know his father would be there. I put my napkin on the table and asked, “He’s coming to Palm Beach?”
Nora nodded and said through her pinkish lipstick, “He confirmed an hour ago.”
My mind raced as I saw Jacob shaking hands with the other players. I didn’t want him to be blindsided with the news. Adrenaline rushed through me as I stood without touching my food.
“There’s Jacob now,” I said, acting like an eager newlywed.
Both women stared at me as I crossed the room and immediately wrapped my arms around his waist. I knew they were watching so I kissed his lips and he held me close.
In that moment, I forgot where I was. But then color flashed back in place as the moment ended and I stood on my tiptoes and whispered, so only he heard me, “Jacob, Nora Robinson invited us to her party.”
He waved over my shoulder to where she was sitting and patted me on the back like I’d done a good job. “That’s even better than her son Edmond’s invitation.”
I swallowed and blocked his view so he paid full attention to me when I asked, “Do you know your father will be there?”
Color drained from his face and he stepped back and said, “No.”
Good. At least he knew the stakes for his game. I wasn’t sure of the all the nuances as I said, “He confirmed less than an hour ago.”
