Page 72 of Ruthless Legacy

“Eliza, is that you?”

I pause at the bottom step. So much for hoping to sneak in without being seen. “Yeah, it’s me,” I reply as I cross the hallway and enter my grandfather’s office. He’s standing at the window, dressed in a pale blue shirt and grey tailored trousers. I’m beginning to wonder if he sleeps in a suit.

“You’re working on the weekend?” I ask him as I drop myself down into the armchair opposite his desk.

“Business doesn’t stop because it’s the weekend. Were you with Archer last night?”

I nod my head, my cheeks colouring slightly.

“You like him?” he asks me, studying my face as he awaits my reply.

“I wouldn’t say like. Like is a strong word.”

He nods his head and offers me a tight smile. “I didn’t particularly like your grandmother that much when we first met, either. You know she was supposed to marry Edward Savage? I thought she was a real nerd; she always had her head in a book. She would always look down her nose at me like I wasn’t good enough for her attention and it used to drive me insane.”

I smile and sit up straighter. This conversation is unexpected, but I’m eager to know more about my late grandmother. “So, what changed?”

He laughs to himself and shakes his head. “I was driving home from practice one night. It had been pouring with rain for hours and she was biking it home from the library. I helped her after she skidded off her bike. She’d cut her leg, so despite her protests, I swept her up and put her in my car and brought her here. Catherine protested all the way that she was fine and that I could just take her home, but I found myself not ready to let her go yet and by the time I dropped her off at home I was already planning how I could get more time with her.”

I watch him as he talks about her, and I can see that he genuinely loved her. It’s fascinating to see, given all he presents to the world is this hard-edged businessman. “Weren’t you and Edward Savage friends, though?”

My grandfather grimaces. “We were. We grew up together, like every generation of the four founding families before us and since. He was like a brother to me, but she became more important. I had to have her. To make her mine, no matter the cost, and in the end, she defied her family, and we married in secret at eighteen.”

I nod my head, chewing on my lip. “Did you know Verity is promised to Rafe?”

“I did.” He takes a seat at his desk, keeping his eyes on me. “They will make a fine match.”

“You don’ think it’s wrong to force two people together at such a young age for the sole purpose of strengthening family ties and business.”

He studies me for a beat before he replies. “For generations our families have made advantageous marriages. The four families have remained loyal to each other through the Aces and through marriage. Besides, do Verity or Rafe object?”

“No,” I reply with a shake of my head. “I just can’t get my head around it. I can never imagine getting married at such a young age.”

“They feel a duty to their family. They understand the years of trust and power built by the strong connection between the four families.” He leans forward in his seat. “I am looking forward to introducing you to everyone at the dinner dance.”

“Oh, you really don’t need to,” I protest. The last thing I wanted was an evening full of the rich and elite of Hawk Bay.

“I insist. I want to show off my beautiful granddaughter.”

“What about your grandson?” I ask him. “Don’t you want to show him off, too?”

He half smiles and clears his throat. “Of course. He has a few years of growing up to do yet before he becomes of part of our society.”

“And by society, you mean the Aces?”

He bobs his head side-to-side. “That and other things.”

I lean forward, putting my elbows on my knees. “What if I don’t want him to be a part of the Aces?”

Wilbur’s eyes narrow for a second before he schools his expression. “It’s his legacy, as it is yours. You are a part of this family. It’s in your blood.”

I nod my head and toy with the ring on my finger. It’s my mum’s wedding ring. I’ve worn it ever since she died. “Why did my dad leave here? He never once mentioned you or this town?”

Wilbur sighs and straightens his tie. “Your father and I had a complicated relationship.” He looks down at his watch. “I have a conference call; we’ll have to finish this conversation another time.” He gets to his feet, effectively ending our conversation.

“Sure, no worries,” I reply, as I rise from my seat and clear my throat. “I’ll see you later.”

“Oh, and Eliza, perhaps you should start dressing more like a young lady of your social standing.”

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