Page 43 of Revenge (Corrupt Empire 3)

He gave me a tight smile.

“I will. I’m sure he’ll be fine if you give him time.”

I wasn’t sure of that, but I smiled back at him before turning and walking up the steps to Frazier’s front door. I rang the bell and waited. Two minutes later, Tristan opened the door.

“Hello Avery.”

“Hi Tristan,” I ground out.

Fuck did I hate him. He was wearing a collarless blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He stepped back, allowing me to walk in. When the door closed behind me, I felt a sense of dread prickle against my skin. I was fucking terrified of what tonight would bring.

I shuffled out of my coat and he took it from me, hanging it up in the cupboard. They had a grand hallway which had a sweeping staircase. I’d been here so many times throughout my childhood.

He placed a hand in the small of my back and directed me towards the formal dining room. My skin crawled. I didn’t want his hands on me, but objecting was useless. I had to play my part tonight or things could go very wrong.

The room was well lit with a huge chandelier hanging over the middle of the table, which was a large dark wooden antique. Frazier had informed me about its origins when I was younger, but I’d hardly been listening. The man had a taste for expensive furniture. Nothing but the best for the Shaws.

Frazier was sat at the head of the table and there were only two place settings either side of him. I looked up at Tristan.

“Is Susan not joining us?”

“Mum’s sister has been taken ill.”

I wasn’t sure if he was lying or not, but this didn’t bode well at all. I would’ve felt safer with his mother here.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was looking forward to seeing her.”

“It’s unfortunate, yes.”

I sat to Frazier’s left whilst Tristan walked around and placed himself across from me. His mud brown eyes were intent on my face. I fidgeted under his gaze.

“Thank you for coming, Avery,” Frazier said, giving me a nod.

“Of course.”

I didn’t want to be here. I wanted to run back to Aiden. Tell him I was sorry. Bury my face in his solid chest and never let go. But that was the coward’s way out. He might be my husband but I couldn’t hide behind him. I had to face up to reality. The only way we were ever going to get out of this mess was by taking matters into our own hands.

There was a pensive silence for a long moment before we were served by Frazier’s staff. The two men made polite small talk with me throughout the starter. It felt strange being so civil to them. When the staff had served us the main meal and withdrew, Frazier turned to me.

“The Radisson Blu in Marylebone have had a cancellation in August. I have made a provisional booking.”

I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth.

He fucking did what?

I couldn’t believe he’d gone behind my back and looked at reception venues for this bloody summer. Was he crazy? I hadn’t even agreed to a date with Tristan yet. I took a breath, setting my fork back down. I couldn’t get mad about this. I had to remain calm. This was still a fake engagement and I wouldn’t be marrying Tristan. So what if Frazier had booked a venue? It could always be cancelled again.

“Isn’t that a bit soon?”

“Why, no. I will hire you the best wedding planners, you won’t have to lift a finger.”

I knew why he was so invested in this. He wanted my money. No matter how sick it made me feel, I had to keep a straight face.

“Well, okay, perhaps Tristan and I can go see the venue together?”

I’d rather die than spend time with him, but it didn’t hurt to show a little willingness. Tristan rolled his eyes.

“That can certainly be arranged.”

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