Page 38 of Silent Partner (Pine Falls 3)

“You’re being too kind.” I knew the places Brant had traveled to around the world. There was no way that meal had been the best he’d ever had.

Brant faced me, his eyes boring into mine. “I’m telling the truth. Sometimes I don’t think you see yourself very clearly.”

I cleared my throat too loudly, and before reason could take hold, I asked, “How do you see me?”

He pressed his lips together for a moment while he clenched his fists and released them a few times. “That’s an excellent question, but one I shouldn’t answer right now.”

My eyes widened. What did that even mean? Before I could process his odd response, he added, “Promise me you’ll ask that again soon.”

“That’s okay,” I whispered. It was stupid of me to have asked in the first place. I didn’t need him to say it out loud, because I already knew the answer. He saw me as not good enough.

And he was wrong. I saw it very clearly.

“Kinsley, it’s not okay, but it will be someday . . . I hope. I better go. Goodbye,” he said abruptly and headed for the door before I could say anything.

I felt a cold draft when he opened the door. He turned and stared at me as if he wanted to say something. Or as if he wanted to stay. Instead, he only raised his hand before he shut the door.

I held up Oscar. “Did that seem weird to you?”

Oscar seemed to nod.

“Me too. Very weird indeed.”

Chapter Nine

Late into the night, I pored over every word of the contract Brant had drawn up. I was right—it was more than a generous offer. Not only would he pay off Giselle and Carter, but he was willing to invest some serious cash into the restaurant. He, of course, would have controlling ownership, and I would be in charge of the day-to-day operations. And although he would have controlling interest, he wouldn’t be able to make any unilateral decisions. In fact, from the looks of it, he needed more of my approval than I did his. The only stipulations were that I not divulge who my partner was and that Sheridan act as a liaison. Those hardly seemed like stipulations. I loved Sheridan and I wouldn’t mind communicating with her at all. And I could keep my mouth shut. Although I knew everyone would want to know how I had gotten the money. Or maybe they would just assume my sisters had rescued me.

Conveniently, Brant already had an LLC set up that would not only hide his identity but could handle these types of transactions. I imagined with the kind of money he made as a lawyer and as an adviser to Holland Industries, he probably had multiple entities where he placed his money and investments.

While I contemplated Brant’s offer, my phone buzzed, making Oscar stir on my bed. He looked utterly put out that his beauty rest had been interrupted. I smiled at him before answering Jai’s call. Although it was past midnight, I wasn’t surprised he was calling. He’d probably just gotten home from work.

“Hey, boss lady.”

“Hello,” I yawned.

“Did I wake you up?”

“No. I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

“Too busy destroying the royal highnesses’ evil plans?” He laughed.

I snuggled under my blankets. “Did Giselle and Carter say anything?” I’d left them a message earlier relaying exactly what Brant had told me to say. They hadn’t responded to me yet.

“The better question is, what didn’t they say? My ears were on fire. I suggest you stay away from them. They might run you over with a car.”

I felt queasy. I didn’t like upsetting people, even if I didn’t like them. “Just take pictures if they do, so at least they’ll get some prison time,” I quipped.

Jai laughed. “I would love to see them in orange. Or picking up garbage on the highway.”

That thought, evilly, made me smile. Except I would probably be dead or paralyzed in that scenario, so I prayed they didn’t run me over. And that maybe they would get some jail time another way. “I’m sorry if it made the night miserable for everyone.”

“Are you kidding me? It was the best night ever. You gave us some hope. Please tell me there is some hope,” he pleaded.

I stared at Brant’s offer and, admittedly, the book he’d given me. Too many thoughts and feelings were swirling in my head. Did I go the counteroffer route and save myself, or take Brant’s offer and lose my head and heart to save everyone else?

“Are you there?” Jai interrupted my deep contemplation.

“I’m here. There is hope, but I don’t want to get your hopes up too high.”

“Too late. What’s the plan?”

“I’m sorry, per my lawyer, I can’t talk about it.”

“Lawyer,” he sang. “We wouldn’t be talking about the tall, cool glass of water you secretly crush on, would we?”

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