Page 51 of Owned By a Billionaire

Chapter 16

Caroline

Evangeline’schristeningofferedabreak from the events in my life spiraling out of control. I had two escapes in family and Cary, only the latter was rather withdrawn after that long-winded conversation about marriage.

I sensed he was holding something back. There were too many questions. So I did something radical and hired a private investigator.

I had to know what was behind Cary’s mask. Maybe then, I might even share my story. A story that was growing grittier by the day and was keeping me awake. Had it not been for Cary and this all-consuming passion we shared, I would have been a total wreck, especially with Rey’s preposterous demands that I hand over Elysium.

How would I explain that to my family?

I also wanted that detective gone from my life. It wasn’t just the questions his shabby presence aroused but the nightmares that had returned with a vengeance. Cary had mentioned my crying out in the night.

I went to my daughter, whom I found chatting and laughing with Mirabel.

“Mother, there you are,” Savanah said, kissing me on the cheeks. She looked over my shoulder and rolled her eyes. “Bethany’s arrived. She knows how to make an entrance. And what is she wearing?”

“Purple, hot pink, and ripped leather. Yikes. It’s rather loud,” Mirabel quipped with a chuckle.

“It’s called ‘no amount of money buys taste,’” Savanah said. “Oh god, Mummy, she’s brought him?”

I remained silent, despite the rumble in my chest. Bethany, with that scruffy boytoy in tow, had lowered the tone of the event.

“I didn’t know she was dating Sweeney Knight,” Mirabel said.

“You’ve heard of him?”

My daughter-in-law laughed at Savanah’s shocked expression. “I’m not just stuck in some folksy bubble, you know. Ethan’s also a fan of his band. We both are. They’re refreshingly proggy.”

I had no idea what that meant, and Mirabel gave me an apologetic smile of the kind a young woman might an elder who hadn’t caught up with the latest trends.

“Progressive rock,” she said. “You know, like…”

“I know what progressive rock is, Mirabel. I was a fan of bands like Pink Floyd. It might surprise you to know.”

Savanah turned to me, looking shocked. “You’re kidding. Really? I thought you only listened to classical.”

“I do now. But growing up, I was exposed to Pink Floyd, Genesis, and the like, which fall under that prog-rock category, I believe.” I looked at Mirabel. “As you call it.”

Ethan arrived and kissed me, then his sister, before going to his wife and placing his arm around her. They made for a strange couple, but I could see they were very much in love. Genetics loved variety, as science had revealed, and Cian was a wonder to behold with his regal bearing and virtuosic skills, while Ruby could become our new Margot Fonteyn.

All my grandchildren had made me proud, and for that alone, I felt blessed. If only I could get Crisp out of my life, the heavy burden weighing me down for over thirty years would finally be lifted.

“Sweeney Knight. My god, with Bethany, can you believe it?” Ethan said.

“He looks stoned,” I said.

All three turned to look at me. “Hello, he’s a rock star. He’s not exactly going to be sipping chamomile.” Ethan laughed. He stole another glance. “I must say Bethany’s lost some weight. She’s almost emaciated. And tattooed.”

I grimaced. “Yes, I’ve noticed.”

“There’s nothing wrong with tattoos,” Savanah said.

“Oh, darling, please tell me you haven’t?” I pleaded.

Savanah laughed. “I’ve got a little one. But not on my arm. Not like Beth. Oh. My. God. She’s really gone all grungy, hasn’t she? What’s next, a dress held up by safety pins?”

I had to smile. “It may have worked for Liz Hurley and Versace, but that would now be seen as passe. You can’t subvert what’s already been subverted.”

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