Page 76 of The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée
"Your grandmother, your father's mother, was called Tara too. It means 'star'. You were the light of their lives."
I bow my head, humbled by the love and affection I feel in his voice for my family, for the little girl I was.
We stay quiet for a few more minutes. Then Neil asks, "You can use the money, can't you?"
I bark out a laugh.
The thought hadn't even crossed my mind, not till now. In everything that's happened the last week, I'd almost forgotten about what I'd left behind in the Valley. But now, with Anja gone, there's nothing left between me and the future I have to face.
"Yes," I say, an idea forming. "Yes, I can.".
I was going to use the money, and not only to pay off my debts and secure Bella's future.
But even the money doesn't prepare me for what's to come next.
39
Sienna
* * *
A month later, Silicon Valley
After leaving Bombay, I returned to Silicon Valley, determined to pay off my debts and start anew. I'd asked Neil to stay on as caretaker of the family home in Bombay, and he'd agreed. He's also the tie that binds me to my home country and I'd promised to visit again. Soon.
The first thing I'd done with my inheritance was to return Jace's loan of half a million. Had trembled even as I'd sent off the bank transfer, wondering if it would make him contact me.
But nothing.
Silence.
I'd been both relieved yet also disappointed. Had hoped he'd respond to seeing the money. That he'd track me down, come storming inside my new office, and ask me why I'd left him so suddenly.
After that incredible night together.
The feel of his skin on mine.
His fingers tracing a path down my waist, down toward my core. To where I'd felt empty since.
Stupid.
* * *
"Sienna."
Eric, Jace's ex-partner, walks into our shared office. He'd contacted me a week after my return with a proposal to work together. I'd been unsure about it at first. And not because of his connection with Jace.
But I know Eric likes me.
And yet, his suggestion of using his business acumen to help turn around my company was something I couldn't turn down.
Besides, Jace had trusted him. And that was enough for me.
Or maybe partnering with Eric was my way of holding onto a tenuous connection with Jace.
"You headed out?" He asks from across the boxes still strewn on the floor. We'd moved into this office a few weeks ago.
"What is it?" I ask, pausing on my way to the door.
