Page 86 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Ok, let’s call these guys back in. Let me do the talking... I’ll make sure there are no leaks.”

Toby called the others back into the room. Although, by law, none of the lawyers could discuss what they knew, Toby was careful to reiterate it. This was not to get out into the press. If it did… he left the threat hanging. Toby would work with them to discover where the missing millions were. They needed hard facts and an understanding of what the money had been used for before they could endeavour to recover it.

Another hour passed before they were ready to leave. Isabella looked down at her phone and saw twenty missed messages from Christian. Toby grinned when he saw them.

“If you need me to come and discuss anything with him, let me know.” His face became more serious as he added, “We will sort this out, Isabella. Pierce will not get away with it.”

Isabella found herself liking Toby more and more. She liked his approach and knew her father would have done too. He’d been willing to listen to her rather than make demands. She had a feeling if anyone could help her understand whatever was going on, it would be Toby.

Isabella looked over as Christian’s driver pulled up to collect her. She fired off a message as soon as she got into the car, telling him she would update him later. There was no point in stirring up a hornet’s nest while he was at work. He’d already done so much for her. She knew she’d need all the backup she could get if she was going to see her missing trust fund, but not at anyone else’s expense.

∞∞∞

Isabella walked into the apartment and sank down onto one of Christian’s sofas, her elbows resting on her knees, as she buried her hands in her hair.

What a mess!

She spent the entire journey trying to understand why Pierce would have stolen from her trust fund. Happy that Danielle had nothing to do with it. She could not have coped with that betrayal, especially after they had reconnected.

What was she missing? There had to be more to Pierce’s involvement. It was not like he could get away with it. Misappropriation of a trust fund was theft. He could go to prison if she pressed charges. He could lose everything he owned in order to pay it back. It made little sense. One hundred and fifty million was not a small sum either. More than a few seven-star holidays or fast cars.

What was she going to do? She could stay and fight this out, or she could just pack up shop and go back to Thailand and take control of the fifty million left in the fund. It was more than she would ever need in her lifetime or that of her children. Should she ever be lucky enough to have them? A twinge pulled in the centre of her chest when she thought about children. Her mind going to Kalaya. She would be getting so big. Then there was Skylar. She’d developed a bond with Christian’s daughter. She hoped Star would let him bring her to visit her once she returned home. Maybe Star and Damian would come too. Who was she kidding? Once she left, their romance was over. They’d need to cut ties. A long-distance relationship would be impossible to sustain when she felt as strongly as she did. Somewhere in their time together she had fallen hopelessly in love. That love, would eventually wear her down and destroy the inner strength and self-worth she’d spent years building. If Christian cared about her too… there was no easy solution.

Isabella looked up as the front door clicked. Christian was home? How long had she been sitting there?

“Hi,” Christian said, his brows furrowing when he saw her. “Is everything okay?”

She got up and walked towards him, wrapping her arms around his waist. His arms automatically encircling her. It was amazing how safe she felt locked in his arms.

“What happened?” Christian asked.

“Pierce has misappropriated my trust fund. He and one partner at the law firm,” Isabella said, looking up into Christian’s face.

The furrow between Christian’s eyes deepened. “The law will make him pay it back.”

Isabella stepped back, taking his hand and leading him to the sofa.

“One hundred and fifty million pounds,” Isabella said, her voice sounding tired even to herself.

“One hundred and fifty million pounds?” his voice incredulous. “What... What the hell has he spent a hundred and fifty million pounds on? What about the third trustee at the firm?” Christian’s jaw was slack as he took in the amount she was telling him.

She sat down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. “The firm trustee was disbarred. They did not look into my trust fund as they assumed Pierce and Danielle were legitimate. As for Pierce, I’ve spent all afternoon trying to work out why he would do this?” Isabella sat up and faced him. “I just don’t understand. But I can’t face having this dragged through the press or courts. I’ve told Toby we need to find a solution that works without this becoming another circus. The money is not my life. I don’t want my finances spread out for everyone to see... to scrutinise. I live a simple life.”

Christian cupped her face, his thumb wiping away the tears trailing down her cheeks. “You may lead a simple life, Izzy.” He held up his hand, interrupting her before she could speak. “But, you cannot allow him or this other man to get away with this. Are you happy for me to speak to Toby?”

“You can speak to Toby. I’m grateful for any input. I’m also aware you have more than enough on your plate with your own company. But Christian, the final decision has to be mine, and I’m asking now, begging that you respect my final decision.”

Christian leaned forward and dropped a chaste kiss on her open lips.

“You’re one of the strongest, most independent women I have met. The decision is yours. I just ask that you let me try to help find a solution. I care about you Izzy... and many heads are better than one. Let me do some digging and see what I come up with. Would that be okay?”

Isabella smiled at him, her heart pulling tighter at the look in his eyes. What had she done to deserve a man like Christian in her corner? She wished he could see how wonderful he was.

“Let’s go out and grab some dinner,” Christian said, standing up and pulling her with him. “There’s a family-run Italian restaurant around the corner. I often go in there when I’ve had a late meeting. Let’s get out of here. You look like you could use a change of scenery.”

Isabella squeezed his hand.

“We can do nothing tonight. Tomorrow, we start our offensive.” Christian squeezed her hand back. “You’re not alone.”

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