Page 89 of The Havenport Collection

Max’s eyes were locked on Astrid, who strode forward, pulled herself up to her full height, and offered her hand to the confused woman at his side. “I’m Astrid Wentworth, a former associate at Burns she is not grateful. She doesn’t want to sit with a mug of tea and a good book.

She needs to be accomplishing things. Moving forward, achieving her goals. It’s just the way she is.”

I sipped my whiskey, sad that Astrid had this total cow for a mother. She didn’t understand one single thing about her daughter and truly had no clue. If anything, I felt bad for her. How could anyone be so self-centered and blinded by their wealth and privilege?

“I know she’s had her issues and I thank you.

Whatever you have been doing has worked.

She looks sharper and more alive than I’ve seen her in years.

I know that she is rested and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

But it may be time for you to exit.” As much as I hated her and knew that she was wrong about Astrid and about me, I could recognize a kernel of truth in her words.

How many times had I suspected that Astrid would get bored with me?

How many times had she made it abundantly clear that she couldn’t wait to get out of Havenport and back to her legal career?

Before I could recover from the sting of that statement, Astrid was making her way over to me, smiling broadly. “Declan, please come dance with me,” she begged. I looked at her beautiful face and couldn’t say no, even though I wanted to throw up.