Page 106 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

“Can you drop this off at the front desk? You can have them call up and let Dean know it’s there, so it doesn’t get lost.”

“Ash, that money and necklace is yours. After all the crap you’ve been through, you should keep it.”

“If I do, I’ll always feel like there’s a black cloud hanging over the business. I won’t start it that way. I’ll figure something else out.”

Stella’s pursed lips told me how much she hated what I was asking her to do. With one last frustrated look, she got out of the car and walked back into Prince Industries.

My throat tightened, but I knew this was the right thing to do.

I hadn’t told Stella the whole truth. While I firmly believe keeping the money and the necklace would bring me bad luck, I also didn’t want anything that tied me to Dean. I needed to let him go completely, and that included giving back his money and the jewelry.

The driver’s side door opened, startling me.

“It’s done.” Stella started up the car and pulled out.

“Did he get it?”

“They called up, and he asked someone to bring it to him, so I’m guessing yes. I wasn’t about to look into his jerky face again, even for you.”

“Thanks, Stella. I hit the jackpot when I got you for a sister.”

She shrugged and gave me a half-smile. “We’re lucky to have each other,'' she said as she grabbed my hand. “I’d never have made it through life without you.”

I squeezed her hand tight and then let go so she could put it back on the steering wheel.

“So did you call Dean a stupid jerk to his face like you’d been planning the whole way here?” I asked.

Her cheeks burned bright red. “Not exactly. I told him to go screw himself.”

“You did not.” I burst out laughing.

“I did.” She chuckled. “He deserved it. You’re way too good for him.”

“I am.” I took in a deep breath. “And eventually, my heart will realize that too.”

Stella cleared her throat and looked at me nervously.

“What?”

“Do you think now that Dean knows who really stole the designs that Mom can actually make you work for her?”

I sat straight in my seat and turned to her. “Oh my God. I hadn't thought about that.”

This whole time Elaine had threatened to implicate Dean in the theft. Now that we had proof it was Simone her power over me and him had disappeared.

“I think we should turn in our resignation notice tomorrow.”

Stella's matter-of-face voice gave me pause. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, there’s nothing left for me there anymore. I’m never going to get back the mother I lost, and it’s not my dream to work there.”

“What will you do?” I asked.

“I have no idea. I was kind of hoping you might let me give you that money we talked about. It’s not much, but it’s enough to start the online concept we discussed. Contrary to what my mom thinks, I’m pretty good at business and marketing. We could be partners in your business and work together until I can figure out a long-term plan.”

“You know I’d love to work with you, but I want you to be totally sure before I accept your money. It’s going to be a while before I can pay you back.”

“You did just let me move in with you, and if I have to, I can get a part-time job doing something.”