Page 84 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Christian watched as she adjusted her dress, letting it fall just above her knees. Apart from her flushed cheeks, no one would know she’d just come apart on his desk. She made her way to the door and gently flicked the lock.

“I’ll see you at home later,” she said, sending him a cheeky wink over her shoulder.

Christian dropped back into his chair and ran a hand through his hair. What had just happened? Oh, he knew, he’d just had a mind-shattering orgasm in his office, at his desk. This woman was turning his life inside out and upside down. The more he thought he knew her, the more she surprised him. She kept him on his toes. The past seven weeks had been heaven, but he knew the drop was going to be hell. He might as well enjoy every moment of her while he could. The meeting about her trust fund was the last thing keeping her in the UK. Once that was finalised, she would be leaving. He just had to prepare himself for that. He would not kid himself that their relationship would work long distance. However much someone tried, it was impossible. They may only have days left, but he would make the most of it. He was falling in love with Isabella King. Maybe he’d been in love with her since that first weekend. She’d certainly made an impression. But love was not always enough. It was Isabella’s free spirit he loved. What was the saying?If you love someone, set them free. That was what he would do. He loved her enough to watch her fly away.

Chapter Thirty-seven

Isabella

Isabella’s heart was in her mouth as she entered the law firm she’d frequented with her father as a young girl. Mr White, her father’s lawyer, had long since retired. Isabella looked around. The offices that had once been filled with antique wooden furniture were now all glass and stainless steel. The only throwback that remained were the large bookcases that housed all the old law books Mr White had collected. It was clear time stood still for no one. It had been out with the old and in with the new. That left a hollow feeling in her chest.

Toby was already waiting for her in reception, on one of the brown leather sofas, positioned for client comfort.

“Hi,” Isabella said, stepping up and holding out her hand to Toby.

“Hi,” he said, getting to his feet, shaking her hand. “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” she said, trying to force a smile.

She’d been unable to shake the deep feeling of unease building over the past couple of days, and this morning, no amount of meditation, breathing, or yoga practice had managed to shift it.

Toby stepped up to the reception desk and introduced them. The receptionist smiled warmly, buzzing through and announcing them. They had not even had a chance to reseat themselves before a middle-aged man in a wrinkled suit appeared through the doors.

“I’m pleased to finally meet you, Lady Ringwood,” he said, stepping forward and offering her his hand. “I am Randolph Gough, senior partner.”

Isabella took his offered hand, trying hard not to grimace at the clammy palm gripping hers.

“Please call me Isabella,” Isabella said, hating the use of her formal title. “May I introduce my lawyer, Mr Tobias Grant.”

She directed his attention to Toby so she could wipe her hand down her trouser suit.

Isabella watched as he stepped forward, shaking Toby’s hand.

“Pleased to meet you. Your reputation proceeds you, Mr Grant,” he added, causing Toby to shoot Isabella a quizzical look.

Before Toby had the chance to reply, Randolph had turned on his heel and was moving back towards the glass doors.

“If you’d like to follow me, we have set up in one of the meeting rooms.”

Toby held the door as Isabella walked through. Someone had completely remodelled the offices. Outside rooms were now glass boxes filled with conference tables and whiteboards. The centre of the office was a hive of activity as lawyers and their assistants went about their business. The business had expanded greatly since Isabella’s last visit, just after her father’s death.

She’d felt dizzy as she’d listened to Mr White go over the terms of her father’s will. Danielle sobbing into her handkerchief while comforted by Pierce. She’d been numb, her body flooded by thoughts of the past. Of playing on the carpet, as her father had discussed business issues with Mr White. Of the cookies and toys Mr White had stashed in his cupboard for when she visited. It had been many years since they’d been out. The last time Isabella had been there, had been during her placement year, as she shadowed her father, learning the business. They’d talked excitedly of her working alongside him, of it becoming a true family business. She and Edward taking over from him and Pierce. It had been her father’s dream.

Isabella snapped herself out of it as they entered one of the conference rooms. Toby shot her a look as Randolph introduced her to three other lawyers, who were already sitting at the table. They each stood up and introduced themselves. Isabella’s heart rate shot up.

Was this normal?

It seemed like overkill for a handover. A quick glance at Toby told her he was thinking the same thing.

“Shall we get started?” Randolph said, pushing forward copies of the paperwork they had in front of them. “Before we start, I just want to say, we’re looking into this. We did not want to keep you in the dark. Transparency is of the highest importance to us.”

Toby spoke next, having opened the file they’d been given. “What the hell... This can’t be right?”

“Unfortunately, it appears to be correct,” Randolph said, his face going grey.

Isabella was too busy reading the body language of those around her to look at the paperwork. She knew there was an issue. She’d learned to read people over the years. In some ways, she was pleased she’d not lost that particular skill. Her father always complimented her on her intuition.

“How the hell have you lost one hundred and fifty million pounds?” Toby said, his eyes glaring across the table.

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