Page 78 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“What can I do for you? This is becoming a habit… Don’t you have a ream of solicitors at your disposal over there at The Dupree Group? Or is this about Skylar?”

Toby’s voice changed at the mention of Skylar’s name. Toby and his wife Laura had played an integral part in Skylar’s early years. She’d lived with them until Star and Damian had rekindled their romance. Toby had been the male role model and father figure in her life until that point. It had been Toby Christian had turned to, when he wanted to set up regular payments to Star for Skylar. It had horrified his lawyers the money he was signing over, but to Christian, that was all it was, money. He’d used Toby because, unlike his lawyers, who would have written any agreements to fall in his favour, he knew Toby would do the opposite and ensure it left Star with all the power in their relationship. That was exactly what he’d done. Christian had wanted his daughter to have everything she needed, and that included the woman who’d given up everything to raise her. Christian hadn’t been able to fault Toby’s professionalism. He’d turned the documentation around within record time, with additional clauses that protected Star and Skylar should their relationship sour. Everything Christian hoped for.

“Not about Skylar, but I do require discretion,” Christian added.

“Ahh. Isabella King,” Toby said, making a leap and hitting the mark.

Christian wasn’t surprised, not after their previous discussion. Plus, Toby and Laura would have heard all about Isabella from both Star and Skylar. She’d made quite the impression.

“How can I help? Is this about…” Toby asked.

“Isabella wants to sort out her trust fund before she returns to Thailand. She wants to tie up any loose ends before she goes.”

“That’s late for a trust fund. She must be in her late twenties. Most trust funds mature at twenty-five,” Toby said.

“It is,” Christian added. “Her father included a clause in his will. Its aim was to protect Isabella’s wealth from external forces. Being sent to rehab triggered the clause to be activated, stopping Isabella from getting her inheritance until she turns thirty.”

Toby was quiet as Christian’s last statement sank in.

“I’ll need to speak to Isabella. She’ll need to instruct me if that’s what she wants.”

Christian paused. “Let me talk to her. She wants to keep this quiet. She’s had more than enough press coverage to last a lifetime, and she doesn’t want to reinvigorate any press interest. Can we come and see you?”

“How about I come by on my way home?” Toby said. Christian heard him clicking in the background. “I have a late meeting tonight. I can call in after that. That way, I can keep this off the books until it becomes official.”

“That sounds perfect. What time should we expect you?”

“My last meeting is at six. I should be done by seven. I can be with you shortly after.”

They said goodbye, and Christian breathed a sigh of relief. He and Toby had not always seen eye-to-eye. However, Christian knew he could trust him. He would never do anything to hurt Skylar or Star.

∞∞∞

Christian got home at six thirty. He’d called ahead to let Isabella know Toby would join them.

Toby arrived on time. The desk called up to let them know he was on his way. The doorbell chimed, and Christian answered.

“Come in,” Christian said, stepping back and letting Toby enter.

“This really is something,” Toby said, his eyes catching on the view over London. “Star has always said I should come and see it for myself.”

Christian chuckled. “You, Laura, and little Catherine will have to come over for dinner with Star and Damian one night,” Christian said.

“That would be great,” Toby added with a very non-committal tone.

Maybe he didn’t believe him, or maybe he wasn’t interested. Christian made a note to make sure he at least put an official invitation out. Isabella appeared behind Toby. She’d changed out of her gym wear into a knee-length dress that hugged her curves.

“Thank you for coming and for giving up your evening,” Isabella said.

“It’s not a problem. Christian said you wanted to keep this meeting quiet. This was the best option. You could have come to our house, but we have a nearly two-year-old, which is not conducive to a quiet environment. When I get home, I’m Daddy. I’m not allowed to work,” Toby said, smiling.

“As it should be,” Isabella added before walking Toby over to the sofas and offering him a seat.

Christian grabbed everyone a drink and joined them, taking a seat next to Isabella.

“I know Christian gave you a brief update earlier. What can you tell me? What should I be doing?” Isabella asked.

Christian listened as Isabella took charge of the meeting. It was the first time he had seen this side of her, a side that was definitely her father’s.

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