Page 85 of Owned By a Billionaire

“Yes, Mary?” Manon asked.

“I’ve finished dusting,” Mary said.

“Take a break. Have a cup of tea. Jonathon, who should be here soon, will show you the ropes.”

Mary nodded and left the room.

“She’s new,” I said.

“I’ve had to hire again. Staff keep coming and going.”

“You’re doing a great job. And Elysium will remain ours. Don’t worry.”

“I’m making it my mission to ensure that happens.”

I held her steely gaze. “Rey’s not someone you mess around with. You should know that by now.”

“I sure do.” She flashed me a tense smirk.

After all the trauma Manon had endured because of Reynard, she’d found her footing. Instead of wallowing in depression, my granddaughter had rolled up her sleeves and got to work, learning all that she could about running Merivale and Elysium.

However, since we shared similar traits, which were becoming more evident as Manon matured, I hoped she wasn’t bottling things up. I’d asked her often enough if she was faring well, and she generally declared with a sunny smile that life was great.

ThepartyatElysiumwas in full swing. Manon had made sure everything was perfect for the large gathering.

I gazed around us. “You’ve invited half of London, I see.”

“I thought it would be a great way to showcase the resort.” Manon wore a proud smile.

Drake joined her, munching on a canape. “These are delicious.”

Manon rolled her eyes at me as a wife lamenting her husband’s idiosyncrasies might. “He’ll end up eating everything. He has such an enormous appetite.”

“It must be all that running.” I smiled at Drake.

“That’s what I always tell her,” he said.

“Anyway, don’t eat everything the servers bring,” Manon responded.

He laughed. “I’ll try to control myself. But hey, this caterer is by far the best.”

“They are, aren’t they?” Manon looked at me, seeking approval, as always.

“The food is delicious, I agree.” I peered over and gave Mark a little smile as he spoke with one of the older bookish guests, whose name always escaped me.

The performance started, and Mirabel sang a song accompanied by Cian. Standing next to me, Ethan looked every bit the proud husband and father.

“Cian has turned into a confident little performer,” I said.

Looking all starry-eyed, Ethan nodded in agreement.

The song kept the room mesmerized as Mirabel sang in her dulcet tones, capturing the magic of the sea.

“The art and the music are gorgeous,” Theadora said as she milled around with Declan by her side.

“The children are very quiet,” I whispered.

Ethan chuckled. “Ruby’s dying to dance.”

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