Page 93 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
I need another minute just to come to terms with that, but it’s not like we’re in a particular rush to go anywhere. Not with the Feds and the SEC raiding my father’s building, likely finding more evidence against Mom and Crystal.
“My God, it’s going to be a media circus, isn’t it?” I ask.
Penny shrugs. “You weathered the storm. The truth will come out now. Your reputation will be cleared. Hell, you’ll be righteously vindicated, and the whole world will learn about the machinations designed to rob you of your inheritance.”
“You helped me save my father’s company,” I tell her. “I can never repay you.”
“You don’t have to. I’m getting paid by these three, and handsomely, too, to represent you.”
“Oh, Penny, I’m not talking about the money here.”
She laughs. “Relax, Phoebe. We’re best friends. I’ve got your back, always. Besides, there’s only one way you can repay me.”
“What’s that?”
“Save your dad’s company. Take over, clean it up, steer this mastodon in a better direction. You’ve got your work cut out for you and then some,” she says, then frowns slightly. “The firm partners and I are already working on a strategy to appease the SEC and the IRS. I presume you’ll want us to handle that.”
“Oh, absolutely,” I reply. “As soon as I’m appointed to the executive board, I’m firing the current law firm and hiring yours. Mr. Harding and his pack of ghouls can focus on defending Mom and Crystal.”
It’s going to be a long and tough journey ahead, but I’m confident we will pull through. The worst part is over.
“You have been my rocks, this whole time,” I tell the guys as tears flood my eyes. “Even when I jumped back, even when I panicked, when I overreacted and ran off, you stood by my side. Working to defend me. To protect me.”
“I don’t know what you expect us to say,” August replies. “You’re our woman, Phoebe. We’d do anything for you.”
“I love you,” the words roll off my tongue with surprising ease.
My whole body quivers with emotion as the three of them look at me, their gazes softening and their lips stretching slowly into warm, comforting smiles.
“I do. I love you. Each of you, in equal measure. I never imagined I’d feel this way about anyone, let alone three of you.”
“It’s definitely mutual,” Dominic says.
He pulls me into a deep kiss. I moan against his lips, welcoming the taste of him, the flavor of love filling me to the brim like liquid sunshine. August wraps me in his arms and kisses me next.
“I love you, too,” he whispers in my ear. “More than I’ve ever loved anyone in my life, Phoebe.”
Theo cups my face, planting a kiss on my temple. It makes me feel safe and cherished, as if I’m the most precious thing on earth. “There’s so much for us to love about you. I hope you see that now.”
“I think I’m starting to,” I reply with a giggle.
Penny’s in tears, practically holding her breath as she watches us. I give her a curious look. “I’m sorry, but this is just so goddamn sweet and beautiful and just fucking perfect. I swear, Phoebe, this is as close to a happy ending as you’re ever going to get, and it’s messy and wonderful at the same time. I’m so happy for you.”
I can’t help but laugh.
“You’re going to get your inheritance, your share in the company,” she adds, then pauses and frowns. “Helen and Crystal still hold a majority even if they are no longer employed here.”
August nods. “I think we can arrange a buyout for Crystal, at least. That will put you in the majority, and the executive board will support you going forward. They’ve already expressed their confidence and signed the paper demanding your installment.”
“Do you think Crystal will sell us her shares?” I ask.
“Pfft, please, didn’t you hear her earlier? She’s desperate for a deal. She’ll sell both kidneys if she can avoid jail time,” Penny replies.
“We’ll offer her an appealing amount for those shares,” Dominic reassures me. “She’ll need money once she gets out of jail. Crystal no longer has access to company funds, and I’m pretty sure she’s already squandered her part of the inheritance.”
“She could live off the sale of assets,” Theo suggests. “Her penthouse, cars, jewels and whatnot.”
“It’s all getting seized, pending the investigation,” Penny replies with a cool grin. “She’s screwed. Crystal will absolutely sell her shares.”
