Page 84 of Owned By a Billionaire

His smile faded into a frown. “There’s something that’s worrying me too.”

“Oh?”

“Are you still contemplating going to the authorities?”

I’d almost forgotten about that stomach-churning decision, which I’d filed away in the farthest region of my mind. “What else can I do?”

“I rather like the mushroom idea, myself,” he said, nonchalant as a host discussing menu arrangements for a dinner party.

“One can’t kill the devil. He’s too powerful.” I sighed. “And I hope you’ll leave well enough alone.” I gave him a pointed stare.

“But you can’t go to the authorities, Caroline, noble sacrifice though it might be. Think of your family and what it will do to them.”

“I’ve thought of little else, Mark. But to give him all that land, and to have that wretched man as a neighbor, polluting my grandchildren’s future?” I shook my head. “He’s a sick, ugly criminal who needs to fall on his sword.”

“Yes. I agree. That’s why I’m suggesting we think of some way to remove him.”

Doomed whichever way I chose, I shook my head and puffed loudly.

AtElysium,Manonpointedat furniture, instructing the maid how she wanted things done. I had to smile because that had been me once.

Her face lit up on seeing me.

I smiled. “I thought I’d drop in and check out the new art acquisitions Savanah hasn’t stopped talking about.”

Manon chuckled. “Savanah’s chuffed, and so she should be. Just wait till you see them. They’re gorgeous. I can’t stop looking at them.” Manon crooked her finger. “Come and see.”

I followed her into the main hall, which doubled as Elysium’s function room.

I examined the large, marine-themed canvases portraying mermaids among fantastical sea creatures and besotted males. “They’re stunning,” I said, noticing how the three large paintings told a story of love with the same characters appearing in each frame.

“It was Mirabel’s mermaid song that inspired Savvie, I think. I love them though. Don’t you?”

“Very much. There’s a little of Marc Chagall in them, although they’re more representational, I believe.”

Manon nodded slowly. “I don’t know who that is, but I’m glad you like them. We’re thinking of having an opening, like a party, to celebrate their hanging.”

“That sounds colorful. It’s been a while since we’ve had an event.”

“It has,” she enthused. “I thought Mirabel could perform with Theadora and even having Cian do something.”

“Oh, like a family pantomime,” I said.

She giggled and narrowed her eyes. “Are you making fun?”

“Maybe. But look, it’s a fine idea.”

The new maid entered and dusted as we sat down and chatted.

“I haven’t seen Crisp around lately,” Manon said.

My mood instantly soured at the sound of his name. “He’s gone away. But I’m sure we’ll hear from him soon.” I exhaled a tight breath.

“He simply cannot have Elysium, Grandmother. You cannot give it to him. I love it here. We all do.”

I cast a side glance at the maid, who was within earshot. “Let’s not talk about this right now.”

The maid joined us just as we were about to leave.

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