Page 108 of Owned By a Billionaire

She pointed at Manon. “You’re a fucking bitch. You were there, too, with the girls.”

“Calm down.” Drake blocked Natalia as she lunged for Manon.

“I’ll get you for this, bitch!” Natalia pointed at Manon’s bewildered face, while Drake took the widow by the arm as she continued to shout abuse, leading her out.

Declan and Theadora arrived just as Natalia wiggled out of Drake’s hold.

“Let me go. I’m leaving.” Natalia paused and pointed again. “But you haven’t heard the last of this.”

“What’s happening?” Declan asked.

Manon spoke at last. “I gave the authorities information and photos about our time at the Cherry bar. One of the underage girls has testified. And now Natalia’s charged with smuggling illegals and aiding and abetting pedophiles.”

“Does that mean she has no claim on the land?” Declan looked hopeful.

“I’d say so. It will be a lawyer’s banquet, no doubt,” I said.

“But won’t that implicate you?” Theadora asked Manon.

Manon shrugged. “I wasn’t the one bussing them in, was I?”

“We can sort that out,” I said. “Our lawyer’s got a lot on his plate right now.”

Declan put his arm around Manon. “Good work.”

She nodded, looking a little exhausted. Poor girl. It was only just occurring to me the intense shock she must have experienced at seeing Rey murdered.

“Carson’s got some quality footage also. I think we’ll get them this time, Mother,” Declan said.

“I think so.”

He frowned. “Are you okay?”

“There’s a lot to deal with. But that’s a question you should ask Manon. The poor girl has been subjected to a harrowing situation.” Manon had snuck out, leaving us to discuss the situation.

As we sat for afternoon tea, Declan asked, “So, did she tell you who did it?”

“Manon hasn’t told me yet. I think she’s trying to protect the victim.”

“The victim? You mean the murderer?” Declan asked.

“Evidently, Crisp raped her.”

His face scrunched in horror. “Hell.”

I sighed. “That’s where he belongs. If only Dante’s nine rings of Hell were real, he’d be burning there right now.”

Chapter 35

Mark

CarolineandIwalkedup to the cliffs, holding hands, with Bertie scampering beside us. For me, it didn’t get much better. Maybe it was a sign of my age, but the simple pleasures had become the most poignant. Those vertiginous cliffs, the soaring wind, and a restless sea, plus Caroline’s warm, soft hand in mine as we shared nature’s splendor.

“They’ve offered me a post,” I said.

“If it’s what you want, then I’m happy for you. At least it’s close to Merivale.” She paused. “You really want this? You know you don’t need to work.”

“I know. But I really enjoyed my stint in London.” I stopped walking and turned to face her. “I’m sorry I can’t offer the whole marriage thing. I’ll have to pay Elise that ridiculous sum of money.”

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