Page 102 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

“Dean Prince.”

“Hello, Mr. Prince. You have a visitor.” For a moment, I thought of Ashlyn.

“I wasn't expecting anyone.”

“She says her name is Stella Tremaine.”

“Stella?” I glanced at Roni, who raised an eyebrow in question. I covered the mouthpiece and explained. “Ashlyn’s stepsister, Elaine’s daughter.”

Roni straightened. “Let her up. Maybe she’ll give us some information about what went down.”

I shrugged. “Send her up.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When she gets here, do you want to talk to her?” I asked Roni.

“No, I'll step in if I have to, but you know her. You’re more likely to get something from her.”

“So like good cop, bad cop?”

She rolled her eyes at me.

I guess not.

Within minutes a tentative knock sounded at my door. I opened it to see Stella standing before me.

“Hi, Dean,” she said.

“Stella.” I motioned for her to come in and shut the door.

Stella’s gaze bounced around my office until she noticed Roni sitting on the couch. “Oh, I’m sorry. Are you in a meeting?”

Roni stood and offered Stella her hand. “I’m Roni. I’m the Head of Security here at Prince Industries.”

Stella had just reached out to shake Roni’s hand and paused, her hand dropping back to her side. “Oh. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same.” Roni sat down, her gaze never leaving Stella’s face.

I returned to the armchair I’d been sitting in and gestured for Stella to sit next to me. “Take a seat and join us.”

She glanced at Roni, then back at me before she perched herself on the edge of the seat.

“I’m guessing this isn’t a social call?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“Are you here on behalf of your mother or your sister?” My voice caught on the last word.

“Ashlyn loves you, you know,” Stella responded softly.

My gaze narrowed. “After what happened. I can’t see why that’s relevant.”

“Are you kidding me, Dean?” Stella huffed and glared at me. Her icy stare cut through me like a dagger ripping me to shreds. “I saw you with her. You felt something. I know you did!”

I leaned back in my seat, trying to look as unaffected as my tone of voice. “You and I both know I wasn’t in it for the long haul. It’s not my fault she fell in love with me.”

Stella’s head snapped back, and anger lit her eyes. “Screw you, Dean Prince. I’d walk out of here right now, but I promised Ash I’d show you this. You don’t even deserve her love.”