Page 50 of How to Undo the Proud Billionaire

“It’s not going to work,” Radd informed him. “The game stops, here.Today.”

“But everyone knows that the mine is the missing piece of the Tempest-Vane empire.” Vincent threw his argument back in his face.

Radd caught Digby’s eye and his brother nodded, handing him his full support. They could live without the mine, and they would. Brin was right, this was aboutstuff, other people’s perceptions and, at the end of the day, notthatimportant. The world wouldn’t stop turning if the mine wasn’t added to the group and, since he knew he wasn’t like his father—or his mother—did the rehabilitation of their name matter?

If he took a wife, she might care, but Brin was the only person he could imagine in that role. And shedefinitelydidn’t care.

God, he loved her. Radd hauled in a deep breath and realized that the boulder that usually lived on his chest was gone. So this was what freedom felt like. He rather liked it.

“It’s a business, Vincent, not a lifesaving organ transplant. Sell us the mine, as per our original agreement, or don’t. Either way, we’ll be fine,” Radd told him. He nodded to the wave of guests heading their way, led by the harassed-looking wedding planner.

“You need to join your family, Vincent,” Radd told him.

Vincent glanced at the wedding planner and sighed. “Don’t you want to know what I’ve decided?”

“I don’t care,” he told Vincent, knowing it was the truth. “Frankly, I’ve got something bigger to worry about.”

Digby jerked his head toward the building. “Go get her, Radd.”

“Thanks, Dig.”

“And if she says no, I’ll pick up where you left off. I’m younger, more charming and more handsome than you.”

Funny, Radd thought as he strode into the hotel. Not.

Abby held her hand as they walked up the steps leading from the beach to the parking lot, and Brin appreciated her support.

So much has happened between the last time I saw these steps last Saturday and now, Brin thought. She’d flown across the country, visited the most amazing game reserve, met Mari, fought with Naledi and, worst of all, handed her heart over to Radd.

Who didn’t want it.

“Brin!” Abby snapped her fingers in front of her face. She’d been doing that a lot since Brin had arrived back home yesterday afternoon. She’d been a wreck, and Abby had taken her in her arms, pulled her into their house and let her cry. Then she poured them huge glasses of wine and pulled every excruciating detail out of Brin.

And today, on finding Brin still in bed at noon, she’d pushed her into the shower and then bundled her into her car, telling her that an afternoon in the sun, swimming in the sea, would make her feel so much better.

Brin was still waiting for that to happen.

She still felt utterly exhausted. She’d hardly slept last night—her brain insisted on reliving every interaction with Radd over and over again, always ending with the vision of Radd’s hard face on their trip home, and his scathing words“This can’t go anywhere.”

The crack in her heart widened.

“I sent you a number for my cousin, he’s a real estate agent and he’s trying to find a florist shop owner who might sell. He’s also looking for vacant shops for you to consider.”

“I don’t think I can take Radd’s money, Abby,” Brin quietly stated.

How could she explain that it all meant nothing without Radd? That if she was feeling like this, like the shell of the person she once was, she had no interest in establishing a business, and that she might as well go back to Johannesburg and work for Kerry. Her hell-on-wheels sister couldn’t make her feel any worse than she currently did.

“I know that this is difficult but you have to think with your head, not your heart,” Abby replied, squeezing her hand. “Give it a few weeks before you make any radical decisions about returning his money. You’re hurt and upset and you don’t want to make a huge decision when you are feeling emotional.”

It was a solid piece of advice, but Brin knew she wouldn’t take it. As soon as the money hit her account—it was still looking as empty as ever—she’d ask Abby for his bank account number; she was his employee after all. If Abby didn’t know it or couldn’t get it, she would contact Radd.

Going back to Johannesburg wouldn’t bethatbad—it was, after all, what she knew. She’d have a good salary, a decent car to drive, financial security. And after having her heart broken by Radd—her fault for thinking that she could capture his attention and his love—her sister’s and mother’s snubs, criticism and demands wouldn’t have the power to wound her.

They would be like the gentle flick of a whip compared to being eviscerated by a blunt teaspoon.

Stupid girl for allowing this to happen, for not guarding your heart.For falling into the arms of a man who she knew was so very far out of her league.Never again, Brin vowed.

She was done with men and love.

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