Page 146 of The Billionaire's Fake Wife
I knew it. "Money? You think because of this…" I wave my arms around, "that I have some claim to his wealth and his power? Then you are wrong."
"You’re the wife of a rich and powerful man. It has to count for something."
"It means nothing."
"Not from where I am." He lowers his chin, ”And it’s not about the money."
"Don't lie." A headache begins to pound at my temples.
"I admit, it might have been one of the main reasons that I accepted Sinclair's offer, but when I saw you and your sister after all these years." His throat moves as he swallows, "I realized it wasn't about that at all."
I don't believe him. I don't. Something hot unfurls in my chest, "What then?"
"Are you happy?"
I blink.
"Excuse me?"
"Does he make you happy?"
"What’s that got to do with anything?"
"You’re my daughter"
"You lost all right to call me that."
He holds up a hand. "I get it. You’re unhappy with the cards life dealt you, so far. It’s normal. It’s time you put it behind you as you start your new life."
"Is that why you’re here? To give me advice?"
"When Sinclair asked me over, I agreed to come, on one condition. I had to be satisfied that he was the right man for you. Someone who could take care of you, protect you—"
"The way you never could."
His lips twist. "You grew up fine, with all your wits about you."
"No thanks to you."
"Tell me you are content, and I can seal the deal with him."
"Deal?"
"He didn't tell you?" Adam frowns.
"We haven’t had the time to speak." Heat sears my cheeks. I hadn’t meant it to come out that way.
My father doesn’t seem to notice.
"It’s understandable. Sinclair is a busy man. He bought me amnesty from the government, gave me a chance to return home to attend my daughter’s wedding." Adam shuffles his feet. "Still, considering what he wants…"
My pulse begins to race. The hairs on the nape of my neck rise. I wipe my suddenly damp palms on the skirt. Something thrums at the edges of my conscious mind and I push it away. "What does he want?"
"To ruin you."
