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“And you want me to trust you?” she playfully asked.

“True. I suppose I should practice first.”

“I’m going to be back on my feet soon. My goal is to bicycle all the way around the island by myself,” Harlow said. “Let’s do it together.”

“It’s a deal.”

The journey back to Wynn Harbor Inn flew by. Harlow’s upside down world was starting to right itself. Her father, not to mention the prestigious Easton family, trusted AttorneyBeckworth. Doing her own due diligence, she was completely confident he would help her handle whatever Robert threw her way.

But Harlow wasn’t kidding herself. She could very well be facing the fight of her life. Although Robert Barbetz was a shrewd businessman, he had one thing working against him…underestimating his wife. Harlow would do everything in her power to keep what belonged to her, to hang onto her fair share.

Admittedly, her husband had been key in landing some of the major movie deals. But he wouldn’t have a dime without her. She was the star. She was the brand. Harlow Wynn was what sold. Not Robert Barbetz.

The niggling concern over him spreading rumors about her instability would have to be addressed.One crisis at a time,Harlow.

Taking the scenic route, she showed Vic some of the Victorian beauties and majestic cottages along the way. Meticulously manicured lawns, cozy courtyards, and quaint gardens. Late summer flowers in full bloom.

Mackinac Island was a picture-perfect postcard. Michigan in all its glory, showing its best to guests and islanders alike.

“The more I see, the more I like,” Vic said. “Makena would dig this place.”

“Invite her to come visit.”

He brightened. “Visit us here?”

“Sure.” Harlow warmed to the idea. “Dad is letting you stay in the cottage. We have plenty of room for Makena. Besides, I haven’t seen her in ages. It would be fun to catch up. Find out when she has a break.”

Vic promptly texted his girlfriend, extending the invitation. “Would next week be too soon?”

“Not at all.”

“Cool. She’s in New York. It would be a hop, skip, and a jump for her.”

Rounding the corner, they reached the pristine picket fence surrounding Wynn Harbor Inn. Streams of water flowed down the side of the street. An array of city vehicles sat parked alongside the curb.

As they drew closer, Harlow noticed another vehicle, a truck with “Mackinac Island Fire Department” emblazoned on the side.

“Great,” Harlow grimaced. “I guess running into Caleb is a bullet I won’t be dodging.”

Chapter 16

Harlow motioned Vic around the back of the fire truck, steering her scooter toward the double gates, a set of gates her father rarely used and only opened when equipment or deliveries were too big to fit through the smaller main gate. “They look busy. I hate to bother them. We’ll take the side gate to get back in.”

Scrunching down, Harlow “scooter’d” onto the curb. Vic, no stranger in helping the star avoid people—mostly ardent and overzealous fans or paparazzi, stealthily followed close behind.

They reached the double gate without incident, only to discover it was padlocked.

“Crud.”

“Now what?” Vic scratched the stubble on his chin and scoped out their surroundings. “I could lift you up and toss you over the fence.”

“It’s a thought.”

“I was joking.”

“No. Seriously.” Gripping the handlebars, Harlow pulled herself to a standing position. “Help me over to the fence. It’s lower in this one spot.”

“But…”