Page 61 of Owned By a Billionaire

“What brings you here?” I asked.

“I’m teaching piano at the college.” The frown hadn’t faded from her face. I sensed she had a thousand questions. “I volunteer once a month by helping the gifted players with their theory so they can get through their exams.”

“Oh, right, of course. There’s a music course here. I recall seeing a lunchtime cello recital.”

“And you?” She tilted her head.

“I’m teaching English.”

She nodded. “Caroline’s not the same. She’s lost weight, and she barely talks much these days. Even to Declan.”

Familiar with Theadora’s propensity to chat about family politics, which was the last thing I needed at that moment, I hesitated while searching for the right response. “I’m sad to hear that.”

It was the best I could do. I couldn’t exactly tell her how miserable my world had become without Caroline warming my bed and my soul.

I touched her arm. “Must rush. Got another class to get to.”

I leaned in and pecked her on the cheek. I sensed more words forming, so before she said something else, I hastened off.

Chapter 20

Caroline

“Transferthatplotofland over to me, as well as Elysium, and I will share all that I know about Cary. It’s a fascinating tale, I might add.” Reynard grinned. “And, of course, the Alice Ponting case will also go away.”

I remained deadpan, despite my gut curdling at how powerful and corrupt Rey was. Those long, bloodless fingers hovered over a button that, once pressed, could destroy me.

There I was at Pengilly, his gauche estate, where a garish interior painted in the gaudiest of colors hurt my eyes. Money had done nothing for his tastes, not least the crimson, bordello-style wallpaper of that sitting room.

In the background, his new wife, Natalia, yelled at one of the staff, and Rey wore a glib smile, as though her petulant outburst was a cute little quirk.

Natalia came storming in, dressed in skin-colored activewear that defined every contour and sinew. Wearing thick makeup, she could have been headed to a nightclub.

“You need to talk to her,” she demanded, either not seeing me or choosing to ignore me.

“Okay, I’ll let her go and find someone else. Now, off you scoot.”

Natalia rolled her eyes and left us.

“She’s proving to be a credit you,” I said, my tongue in my cheek.

Rey’s eyes narrowed. I’d hit a nerve. “That sarcasm’s a little rich coming from someone who almost married a shyster.”

I rose and smoothed out my skirt. There was nothing to be gained from this meeting other than an assault on my senses. Even the lingering, sickly floral perfume Natalia left in her wake nauseated me.

Rey was about to follow me, but I held up a hand. “No need. I can see myself out.”

“We’ll talk soon about the paperwork. Yes?”

After leaving Pengilly, I asked my driver to take me to Declan. Dread shadowed me. How would I break the news about the farm to my son?

Declan let me in and gave me a peck on the cheek. I rarely visited his home, a former gothic church. In sharp contrast to the busy hideousness of Rey’s mansion, Declan and Theadora had created an artful and tasteful atmosphere.

“It’s rare to see you here, Mum.” He smiled. “Tea?”

I nodded and followed him into the kitchen that extended from the living space.

“You don’t have help?” I asked, realizing that I hadn’t made a cup of tea in thirty-odd years.

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