Page 21 of Lucas

“Why not? He knows what happened. We’ll confront him with what you’ve just said, and we’ll finally know the truth.”

“No.” My voice is firm, leaving no room for argument.

Cora purses her lips and fixes me with an irate stare.

“There’s a reason he hasn’t told us. I don’t think everyone is ready to hear the truth. I’m not sure I’m ready to hear the truth. There’s something to be said for Dad’s choice to leave it as an accident. What good would it do for everyone to know he cheated on her? That their love didn’tlast? That she took her own life because we weren’t enough? I’ve given it a lot of thought—his decision. I think he was right to keep it from us. I’d rather not dig into the past.”

“Then why are you telling me this now?”

“Because you asked. Maybe I made a mistake dropping that bombshell at the last meeting without thinking, but apart from you, no one else has questioned how she died. I think that proves they’re not ready to hear it. And that’s okay. Nothing good will come in knowing.”

I stare at the large painting on the wall. Its bold colors, the strong lines. It reflects how I feel right now. There’s nothing good in knowing your father is a cheater, that love doesn’t exist, that your mother didn’t love you enough to stay in this world.

I sit back with a loud sigh.

“Anyway, Ava’s agreed to the marriage. I’m going to send her a contract soon, and the wedding will happen. So that’s why I’m here. I want to hire you as our wedding planner.”

Cora scoffs. “Not a chance. I’m not getting involved. Whatever your vicious plan is, and I’m sure there is one, I’m out.” She pours herself a steaming cup of tea.

“Is that a new tea set?” I tilt my head toward the teapot on the table. Cora has always had a great fondness for tea.

“Old, more like. Antique. I bought it at an auction. I love finding treasures at markets and auctions. They have the most unique things if you know what to look for. It’s from the 1920s.” She gazes at the cups with affection.

“You always had a keen eye. It’s beautiful.”

“Right?” She smiles. “I also bought some special vases at that auction. I think they’d make lovely centerpieces for awedding. They have character, not something you see nowadays.”

“Use them at my wedding.” I steer back to the topic now that I’ve softened her up. “I know you’re the best wedding planner there is. Would you rather I turn to Weddings for All? For everyone to see a Valeur wedding not designed by a Valeur?”

“Oh God, no.” Cora nearly spits out her tea. “They’re terrible.”

“So that means you agree?”

She sighs. “Yes, fine, you’ve got me. But damn it, this means I’ll have to talk to her. I don’t want to talk to Ava Gant. I might end up spitting in her face. Are you really serious about this? It’s not too late to change your mind.”

“No. I have no regrets. Plan the most amazing wedding there’s ever been for me. Spare no expense.”

Cora meets my gaze. “Okay. But don’t expect me to be happy about it. And don’t come crying to me when it all falls apart.”

“Fuck!” I yell at the computer screen, staring as if my gaze alone could change the outcome. How did we lose the bid to Malino Real Estate? I know we submitted a solid proposal—I reviewed it myself. I dial Logan but hang up before the call can connect. He’s still in London, and it’s the middle of the night there. If I wake him, Sloane will have my head.

Ugh. I need his cool, rational mind to understand what happened and why we lost. Our talks always help me clear myhead and refocus. He’s sharp, always able to analyze deals down to the smallest detail to reach a logical conclusion. It’s no wonder Dad preferred him as the successor to me.

I’ll never admit it to Logan’s face, of course—his ego is inflated enough already—but he’s a better manager than I am.

Although Sloane has changed him. He’s softer now. As always, love manipulates you. I was sure cold, unfeeling Logan would never fall into that trap, but I’ve lost him, too.

I rub my face.

Back to the point — how did they win? Malino is smaller than Valeur, which means they have fewer resources, not more. Their bid is suspiciously low. They would have had to submit at a loss just to beat us. Unless they have a cheaper supplier.

I call my construction manager. “Please find out who Malino’s supplier is. I want to know how much they’re paying.” We have a brief conversation, and I hang up. It’s been a long day in an even longer week, and I’m running on the last of my reserves.

The door to my office swings open with a bang, and my secretary appears in the doorway with an arm stretched across Ava’s body, blocking her from entering. “I’m sorry, Mr. Valeur. I couldn’t stop her,” she pants.

Ava pushes through my secretary’s weak barrier in a black knee-length dress that hugs her body, clutching a stack of papers, her hair wild and eyes blazing. God, she looks amazing. How is it possible that she’s wearing a fully buttoned-up dress and still looks incredibly sexy?

“It’s fine.” I nod, and my secretary leaves, closing the door behind her.