Page 86 of Owned By a Billionaire

Dressed like a fairy, my balletic granddaughter pointed her feet, practicing her barre exercises. Ruby was dressed in a pink tutu-like gown with sparkling stars and wearing a tiara that kept flashing different colors.

“Will she ever wear human clothes?” I whispered.

He laughed. “I hope not. She looks adorable, don’t you think?”

I smiled. “She looks like she’s stepped out of a Disney movie.”

The audience cheered, and Mirabel took a bow. “Thank you for coming here to celebrate the stunning new paintings. My sister-in-law has a brilliant eye for art. I think we can all agree.”

Everyone applauded. Savanah, looking rather bashful, gave a curtsy, and Carson kissed her on the cheek.

My heart warmed seeing all my children in happy marriages, full of joy. The only bone of contention was a certain red-haired figure lurking in one corner. Except for the odd gray streak, Rey’s hair was exactly the same as it had been in his twenties.

I reflected that if someone had asked me back then, before I met him, what a devil looked like, I would have described him as looking like Reynard Crisp.

He’d invited himself, as always. When it came to Lovechilde functions, he had a sixth sense. I couldn’t ever recall an invitation being sent out to him for any of our events, but nevertheless he always attended, as if it was his blood right.

Manon had hired a DJ, and the event soon turned into a dance party.

“It’s such a great night,” Savanah said. “If only he wasn’t here.” She gave Rey a side-glance.

“Yes, well…” I pulled a tight smile.

“You can’t let him take this place,” she implored. “And now Natalia’s going around telling people they’re about to take over.”

I looked at Mark, who was standing next to me, and frowned. “She is?”

“Mummy, you’ve got to do something.”

“I won’t let it happen. Don’t worry.”

I stepped outside for some air, and Mark joined me. The night breeze was crisp and awakening, and to still the foreboding swirling around me as though drunk on melodrama, I meditated on the moonlit, silvery ocean.

I sighed. “This is our place.”

Mark squeezed my hand.

“I have to do it.” Making that confession, even under my breath, was akin to stepping into chilly water and egging oneself on despite shivering dread. I’d been stalling for a while now, but now that the word was out about Reynard’s takeover, procrastination was no longer an option.

Mark’s brow pinched. “I can’t lose you.”

“You’re the one who insists on risking all of this by returning to Australia.”

“I’m only risking being sued, whereas even if they find the evidence around Alice’s death to be circumstantial, you’ll still be charged for not reporting it.”

I shook my head. “I’ve thought of nothing else. But I must. Can’t you see?”

Just as he was about to respond, Mark looked over my shoulder, and there was Rey lighting a cigar.

Nobody knew about Mark but Reynard, of course, so he still answered to the name of Cary. That was yet another awkward conversation I would have to have with my family.

“Speak of the fucking devil,” he murmured.

Rey must have heard because his face lit up with glee. He owned that moniker like the head of a criminal empire, relishing his own power.

“It’s quite an event,” he said. “When we take over, I might have to employ Savanah. She is proving a talented events manager.”

“I don’t recall sending you an invitation,” I said.

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