Page 77 of Unforgettable

“Get over it! Get over it! They will notget over it. Because of you, I’ll never work in the fashion industry again,” Bianca’s voice rises with anger.

Marco pinches the bridge of his nose. “You’re being ridiculous. In a couple of months it will be forgotten.”

“This is your fault,” she says again. “You told me Finn would believe Harper stole the designs and boot her out of his life.”

I gasp with shock, cover my mouth, and duck my head back into the sitting room. Marco arranged for the design to be stolen? Just so he could get me away from Finn? This man is insane! How can he do this to his son? He stood in front of his sons and acted like he knew nothing about it. No wonder he didn’t want Bianca charged. Because he knew she’d drag him down with her. The sooner Finn knows the truth about him, the better.

“Enough,” I hear Marco growl. “I paid you enough to last for years. You’ve lost nothing. I can lose my sons if they find out about this. If you dare breathe a word to anyone, I will make your life a living hell. Not only will you never step foot in the fashion industry again, you’ll never find work in any reputable establishment. Is that clear?”

I don’t hear Bianca’s answer. I can’t hear anything over the pounding of my heart. After watching her race past the sitting room, I assume she agreed. A red haze covers my eyes, my chest heaves, and with clenched fists, I step out of the room and into the corridor.

Marco’s eyes widen with surprise at seeing me, and he quickly masks his menacing expression with a fake smile. “Harper, I didn’t see you coming this way. Are you having a good time?”

“Cut the crap, Marco,” I say through gritted teeth.

He raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

Pointing a thumb over my shoulder, I say, “I heard you talking to Bianca. How could you do that to your sons? They’ve worked so hard. Built the company up ten times better since they’ve managed it. For what? So you can tear it down just to get me out of Finn’s life?”

Marco slides his hands into the pockets of his trousers, the stance appearing casual to anyone walking by. But I can feel the animosity rolling off him in waves. “You don’t deserve to be in his life. You nearly killed him.”

I toss my head back and scoff. “You don’t want me around because of what I know. Not because of Finn’s feelings. I’ve kept your dirty, little secret long enough. It’s time your sons find out about how their father cheated on their mother while she lay dying. I’m sure they’ll also love to know about your little scheme with Bianca.”

Giving me a sly smirk, he says, “With what proof? Do you think they’re going to believe any of this? They know how much I loved their mother and our company. Go ahead. Tell them. See what happens to you.”

It’s my time to give him a sly smirk. “I might not have proof for the stolen design, but I have proof about your affair. I have the woman’s name, address, and where she works. Oh, and lots and lots of photos of the two of you intimately together, courtesy of Derek. Who knew by giving me his blackmail file on you, he’d done something decent in his life? I’m not sure why he did it, but he had someone pack it in my suitcase after his death.”

Marco’s face grows pale. He swallows hard. “I don’t believe you.”

I shrug. “I don’t care if you believe me. Let’s find out if Finn does.” I need to talk to Finn now! This can’t go on a moment longer.

I turn away to go find Finn, but Marco clamps a hand around my bicep and swings me around. He clutches his hands on my shoulders in a tight grip. I wince with pain. Marco stands nose to nose in front of me. “If you tell them anything, I will destroy you.”

Flinging his hands off me, I step out of his reach. “I’ve had enough of dealing with men like you. You threaten and bully people to get your way. Well, not anymore. It’s time for the truth to come out. I’m not covering for you anymore. I thought I was doing Finn a favor. I didn’t want your behavior to hurt him. What a mistake.”

I hurry away on shaky legs before he can stop me again. He yells my name. I don’t stop.Where’s Finn?I frantically scan the room, pushing through the crowd, not caring about the annoyed expressions thrown my way. I finally spot him talking with a group of men.

Reaching him, I clasp his hand. “Finn, I need to talk to you.”

He steps away from the group. Concern is etched on his face. “What’s wrong? Has something happened?”

Before I can answer, behind me people gasp and squeal with fright. Turning, I see Marco clutching the back of a chair, then he collapses onto the floor.

“Dad!” Finn cries. Stepping around me, he races to his father. Hayden and Lucas aren’t far behind. “Someone call 911,” Finn yells, dropping to his knees.

For a moment I stare at Marco, wondering if this is all an act to stop me from talking to Finn. Would he go this far? He runs the risk of losing his family. Then I snap out of it. This could be serious. He has a lot to lose. The stress could have done some damage. Digging into my purse, I pull out my phone and call for an ambulance.

Finn and his brothers don’t leave Marco’s side while waiting for the paramedics. When they arrive, they settle him and get him ready to take to the hospital. Finn turns to me. “I’m going with him.”

“I’ll come with you.” I need to be by his side to support him.

“No, I don’t know how long we’ll be. The limo is waiting for you. Take it home. I’ll call you as soon as I can.” With a quick kiss on my lips, he follows the paramedics from the ballroom.

My trembling fingers touch my mouth, hoping for Finn’s sake his father will be okay. I can’t tell Finn the truth now. After this, will I ever be able to?

I arrive home and change out of the gown and into sweats. Pacing the small living room, I keep glancing at the time, waiting for Finn’s call. Is Marco really sick, or is it just a ruse to stop me from talking to Finn? God, I hope he isn’t so conniving to go that far. Had the stress of the moment brought on what appeared to be a heart attack? Guilt washes over me. Maybe I could have dealt with it better. When I learned about his involvement in the design scandal, I was so angry, I couldn’t hold back a moment longer.

Dropping onto the sofa, I check my phone. Still no text from Finn. I wish Alyssa were home. She’d help me take my mind off things. Should I message Finn? No, he’s probably busy with Marco. He told me he’d call me when he could. Tucking my legs up onto the sofa, I lay my head down and wait. The events of the day catch up with me, and my heavy eyelids flutter closed.

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