Page 41 of Owned By a Billionaire

“Speaking of lawyers, tell me about the police investigation.”

The chill in the air from talk of vague marriage plans turned icy.

I took a deep breath. “There’s not much to tell. I’ve given them everything I know.”

“Clearly that detective had something to do with it. The cigar stub found at the burial site proved that. And what of Crisp?”

“He’s distanced himself from us, darling.” At the mention of my nemesis, a cold streak down my spine made me shift in my seat. I expected Reynard to burst into my life at any moment and make demands.

“Can’t say I’m unhappy about that.”

“At least Elysium is welcoming a better class of guest since Rey’s Russian cohort stopped arriving,” I said.

“I’ve heard Manon and Savanah have taken over the running.”

I nodded. “Manon is proving to be a powerhouse.”

“She not only looks like you—she takes after you.”

I studied him before responding. “She’s evolving.” Fiddling with my pen, I searched for the right words. “I called you here to discuss a delicate matter that must remain between us.”

I wasn’t about to fill in the blanks and point out Theadora’s unfortunate penchant for gossip.

Reading me well, Declan wore a rueful smile. “My wife can keep some secrets. She’s just not an expert like you.”

Touché.

I knitted my fingers. “It’s about Cary.”

His eyebrows drew in slightly.

“I believe you and your brother had him checked out once. Yes?”

He rubbed his neck. “Well, yes. After we spotted him in the car with that woman.”

“Lilly, his late wife.”

“Right. Yes.” He took a breath. “We didn’t dig that deep. As I recall, his background wasn’t easy to trace. I think we got a little distracted and left it.”

“Left what?” I pressed.

“No one had heard of him at Eton. That’s as far as we got.” His brow creased. “Why?”

“He slipped up over Oxford.”

“Well, it might not be much. He seems like a good person. Julian loves him.”

I smiled. “It’s nice to hear you say that. I think it would mean a lot to Cary to know that.”

“We’ve all been very welcoming. He can’t be that insecure, surely.”

I nodded slowly and breathed out the tension in my chest.

Shifting away from the subject of Cary, I added, “I’m proud of you.” I chose my words carefully. “I wasn’t exactly welcoming of Theadora all those years ago, but she’s become an excellent asset to the family.”

He rose. “You make her sound like a commodity.”

“Yes. You’re right. Apologies.” I smiled. “She has a regal bearing. Fits in well with our lot.”

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