Vanquished (The Encounter #3)(24)
Oh, the perks of being born with a silver spoon.
“It’s a trivial matter according to you folks, while the rest of the working citizens of the world worry where they’ll get their next meal.”
He set his coffee down as he glanced at me with that certain look in his eyes. “Yesterday was Mother Teresa. Today is about world hunger. I sense a theme here. Once we’re married, you can use my money to help your cause if you so wish to do some charity work, Isobel. I’m not the enemy here. I apologize if I come off as arrogant, but truth be told, I never really thought much about over-extravagance and what happens to the remainder of the lot. I have far too much to worry about with business and making sure the people who work for me are genuinely happy by providing an excellent company to work for that shells out incentives and bonuses that they could achieve by excelling in their department.”
Well, when he worded it that way … I hadn’t thought he cared much about his employees, but I was glad he took care of them. There was nothing more disdainful than a boss who was selfish to the people who helped him or her achieve anything—such as my father. I remembered too many unhappy faces back in the day. It was a good thing he had bankrupted and lost the company he inherited by feeding his expensive habit.
Drawing myself back to the discussion, I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “How can you address marriage with me as if it’s a natural thing?”
“Because the more we speak about it, the more we get used to the fact that it’ll happen soon,” he said as he poured me a glass of orange juice. “While we’re on that sensitive subject, I suggest you come with me tonight to this formal gala that’s for the support of unique artists all over the globe. The sooner we get this out of the way by feeding the rumor mill, the better off it’ll be for all of our sakes.”
“And what of Hugo?” I asked breathlessly, hating myself a little that the mere sound of his name on my lips brought too much emotion out of me.
“The news will reach him … I can personally speak to him about you so he need not see you in the flesh, and that way, it’d be much easier to hide the pregnancy—with your consent, of course,” he added, making sure I understood I still had the power to change course if I had a change of heart. Alas, I had already made up my mind.
Hopefully, my heart would follow suit someday.
I felt as if I truly had cemented everything when I agreed to go with him to the gala tonight by giving him an encouraging nod.
Chapter Thirteen
Two weeks later
Hugo
“I have some news that might interest you, Monsieur Xavier.”
Beno?t seemed as if the news were urgent yet was trying to play it off like it wasn’t, which was enough to pique my interest.
“Carry on. I have less than five minutes until I’m due to leave for lunch with Hong Kong’s prime minister.”
“Certainly,” Beno?t said before clearing his throat. “I’ve come across news from a few sources that Monsieur Geroux has taken upon a new relationship.”
I smirked. “That’s nothing new. Julien likes his women just like any other hot-blooded male out there.” Impatiently glancing at my wrist to check the time, I was wondering what was taking so long. “Is the car ready?” There was nothing more disrespectful in these parts of the world than showing up late. It would do harm to my character and how they perceived my business acumen. The last thing I needed today was to insult one of Hong Kong’s powerful men.
“The limo is already waiting downstairs.” He immediately prompted before continuing. “I just think it would be in your best interest to know that Monsieur Geroux’s current lady is Miss Callas.”
I was just about to step out of the room when I halted as my jaw locked. Julien, the bloody bastard. He hadn’t said a word when I had spoken to him last. How long had this been going on?
Trying to level my blood pressure, I attempted to stop myself from gritting my teeth when I addressed the head of my security. “Who are these sources of yours?”
Beno?t was thorough and wouldn’t relate any news without verifying things, but I also knew the older chap was rather fond of Isobel.
“Monsieur di Medici’s pilot confirmed it. Apparently, Geroux’s pilot and he are friends and met up in Miami a couple of weeks ago when both parties attended a high-profiled event. Also, Mister Kensington’s security confirmed when Geroux and Miss Callas went to see Mister Kensington’s newborn baby.”
Julien was parading her around to our friends, knowing well enough that she was one of mine. The pulse throbbing in my temple didn’t help the whirl of feelings ranging from humiliation to betrayal to anger.
Breathing deeply, I took a lengthy breath before commanding myself to snap out of it. I could deal with this later tonight. For the time being, I had pressing matters to attend to.
“Let’s go,” I barked out, not meeting Beno?t’s eyes. I was too embroiled in my own hell and did not need someone scrutinizing me, which he never failed in doing. He was sharp. One look at me and he would know what I was going through. Nothing passed him.
Consumed with my thoughts as I travelled towards the lift, my mind dwelled on the fact that Isobel was wreaking havoc, even though she wasn’t part of my life any longer. But as much as I wanted to lay all the blame on her, Julien had something to do with it. He fancied her. Way too many times to count, I had caught just how much he admired her. So much for loyalty and friendship. Julien was most likely seduced by her; that was the only explanation for my friend’s betrayal.