Page 52 of Owned By a Billionaire

Ethan and Savanah’s eyebrows rocketed up at the same time.

“Wow, I love the sound of that, despite not really understanding it,” Mirabel said.

Savanah giggled. “One of her mum-isms.”

I shook my head at how ridiculous that sounded, and Ethan chuckled while nodding in agreement.

“But really, what do you mean?” Mirabel asked.

“To subvert is to corrupt or in this case to shock. Once that’s happened, the repeat acts are somewhat diluted at best and pretentious as worst.”

“Okay, like ripped clothing that people pay ridiculous sums for,” Mirabel said, giving her husband a pointed look. He held up his hands in defense.

I nodded. “The punk movement made that look famous.”

“Vivian Westwood, God bless her soul,” Savanah added with stars in her eyes.

“And so, these attention-seeking fashion statements are fed to the masses, and they lose shock value somewhat,” I concluded.

“I do like my distressed jeans,” Ethan said.

Mirabel rolled her eyes.

Ethan laughed and kissed her hair. “My darling wife thinks I’m shallow and pretentious.”

Mirabel turned in protest. “I never said that.”

I walked off, leaving them in their little world, and went over to Manon and Drake.

Unlike her mother, Manon had put on weight, was dressing more like me every day, and articulated her words without the slightest hint of her former cockney twang.

“Grandmother.” She smiled brightly and hugged me.

The epitome of a doting father, Drake stood by her side, cradling Evangeline.

I stroked the beautiful little girl’s rosy cheek, and the baby smiled back. “She’s a darling.”

Drake had adoration in his eyes. “She is.”

Manon looked lovingly at her partner, then me. “We’ve set a date for next month. Do you mind if we marry here?”

“Of course. Merivale’s your home.” I looked from her to Drake.

Bethany’s screechy laugh cut through the air, and all heads turned in her direction.

“I hope she doesn’t cause a scene. She’s different again.” Manon sounded like she was the mother, lamenting an unruly child’s behavior.

I gave her a sympathetic smile. “She wouldn’t be the first to misbehave at one of our functions.”

“I’ll have a word with her. She’s on drugs, I think.” Manon leaned in and kissed Drake. “Why don’t you put Evie in her crib? Our little sweetie looks sleepy.”

I stretched out my arms. “Here, let me hold her.” I took my great-granddaughter and rocked her. “While you’re here, any news?” I asked Drake quietly about our delicate arrangement.

“He’s working on it. Will let you know.”

I nodded. “I’ll pop Evangeline in the nursery. She looks exhausted from all this attention. Janet will be there to look over her.”

He looked worried, as though his baby was about to be placed in danger. I gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. Janet cared for all the children. She’s a natural.”

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