Page 178 of Hidden Ties

A maid opened the door.

“I have an appointment. My name is Kent Bryant.”

“They are expecting you, Mr. Bryant.” Politely, she motioned him to come inside.

Closing the door, the maid led the way through a marbled foyer then made a left. That was when he saw a sunken living room.

The Ashwoods were already there. Both rose to their feet as he came down the three steps.

He mentally priced the suit Bradford was wearing as they introduced themselves. However much it was, it was worth it.

Victoria remained standing by the couch.

Kent walked closer to her, offering his hand. “I’s nice to meet you, Victoria Ashwood.”

Arrogance rolled off the older woman in waves as she took his hand. “Please, have a seat, Mr. Bryant. May I offer you something to drink?”

“No, thank you. I’m afraid I’m on a tight schedule. I’m getting married tomorrow. I had no idea of the work involved in making the final arrangements.

Both Ashwoods stared at him in curiosity.

“Congratulations,” Bradford said politely. “I wish you the very best in your upcoming marriage.”

Taking a cream-colored chair, Kent set his briefcase onto his lap and snapped it open. “I want to apologize for me asking Samuel to use his influence with you to agree to meeting me.” When he’d removed a yellow envelope, he snapped the briefcase closed before setting it on the floor beside his chair.

“Mr. Bryant, Samuel Foster is a good friend of ours. We’re grateful we were able to accommodate you. Sam mentioned we share another acquaintance with someone you know, and that’s why Sam said it was the reason you needed to speak with us so urgently. Bradford and I are anxious to know what is so important that we needed to speak with you today?”

Kent stared around the formal area where they were sitting. “You have a lovely home, Mrs. Ashwood. I just bought a new home yesterday. May I ask how many employees you keep on staff? I don’t want my new wife to have to deal with staffing issues. She’s too tender-hearted that she may hire more than the two I am currently considering.”

“We have our maid, two full-time housecleaners, and a worker who takes care of all the maintenance for us.”

“Wonderful, wonderful.” He nodded effacingly. “Are they here now? I would love to talk to them and ask if they know anyone who is looking for employment.”

Victoria sat up so stiffly he wondered if that stick up her ass was bothering her.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. Our maid is the only one currently here, and she is in the kitchen, preparing our lunch.”

“I’m sorry,” he apologized absently, looking down at his cell phone. “I didn’t mean to come across as being crass. I would never attempt to coax away what I am sure are loyal employees.”

“Mr. Bryant!” Disdainfully, Victoria sent Bradford a speaking glance, which Kent was sure was meant for Bradford to escort him out of their home.

Fortunately, the text he’d been waiting for came through. After he replied, Kent tucked the phone back into his pocket.

“Perhaps, Mr. Bryant, we should schedule an appointment with my assistant …” Preparing to rise from the chair, Bradford gave him an intimidating stare that Kent supposed was to send him scurrying out the door.

“Did I mention I’m getting married tomorrow?” Changing his tone of voice, Kent rose from the chair as well, satisfied when Bradford sat back down; he had pegged the rich ass the moment he had walked into the room. Bradford had never been in a physical altercation a day in his life. Victoria, on the other hand, was cautious, but she wasn’t frightened.

“Yes, you have,” Victoria answered, unobtrusively removing her obnoxious diamond ring to tuck it away between the couch cushions. He almost told her not to bother—the ring was tasteless as fuck.

“Did I mention my fiancée’s name?” he asked silkily.

“No, I don’t think you have.”

Kent could see Bradford’s Adam’s apple bob in his throat.

“How remiss of me, since both of you are acquainted with her.”

“We are?” Victoria was staring at something behind his back.