Page 99 of The Husband Contract

“I just have a lot to think about, Mom. I’m processing right now.”

“I understand. Would you like me to come to that meeting though? Talk some sense into them?”

“No,” I say. “I appreciate the offer—and I’d love to hear more about what you’ve actually done with the company—but right now, I’m going to solve this problem alone. I’ll speak to you later.”

“I love you, Sebastian.” The words are almost a whisper.

I can’t remember the last time she said that. And once again, I don’t want to say the words, I never do unless I mean them.

“I love you too, Mom,” I say, and hang up. As I hold the phone in my hand, I realize the words are true. No matter what has gone on between us—I do love her. I stare at the missed calls from Jack, about to call him back, but then I decide to call Louisa. The phone rings three times.

“Bonjour.”

“Where are you?” I demand before she says anything.

“Can’t you tell? I’m in France. Paris.”

“You’re in France right now?” I’m pissed. “How on earth would I know that?”

“Yes. I’m on a much-needed vacation. I hoped on a redeye last night”

“Louisa. I’m going to ask you a question and I want you to be honest with me.”

“Yes, darling, I’ll have phone sex with you. I’ve been waiting?—”

“Louisa. Have you been sleeping with Sergio?”

There’s silence on the other end. Then the line clicks dead. Even though she didn’t answer my question, I already know the truth. How had I not known? I decide to call Jack before heading back into the boardroom.

“Hey,” he says. “What’s going on? I’ve been calling you.”

“I know. Sorry. I’ve been in an emergency board meeting. Everything is going to shit right now.”

“Fuck. They didn’t call the vote already, did they?”

“No, but they want to. They wanted me to call my dad.”

“Why?”

“They have more confidence in him than in me which is a joke.” I laugh bitterly. “Anyway, he’s not even around. He’s out of the country with some whore.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’ve already found out a lot tonight, like the fact my mom was the one running the company.”

“That makes sense,” Jack says. “Your dad never really seemed to be with it long enough to have created the empire that exists now.”

“I know. But Jack, why were you calling? I have to get back.” I glance at my watch to see how long I’ve been gone from the meeting. I really don’t want them getting anymore antsy than they already are.

“I don’t think Willow knows Sergio,” he says. “I don’t think they had any sort of relationship.”

“Are you sure?” A hammer pounds against my head. Every piece of light is fading from the room.

“I’m almost positive.”

“Fuck, I wish that were true, but I just spoke to my mom. Sergio told her about his relationship. I think he was sleeping with Louisa and Willow and maybe that’s why Louisa hates Willow so much.” I sigh, utterly exhausted by all of it. “Maybe that’s why she’s been showing up all over the place.”

“Sebastian, listen to me,” Jack says, his voice flat.