"Even so, it has to go. Holding onto it will only bleed us dry." With that final verdict, he turned and walked away.
The moment he disappeared around the corner, the concern melted from my face. My phone was already in my hand, thumbs flying across the screen: *The land is available. Press the price down another thirty percent.*
When I returned to the villa after work, an unpleasant surprise waited at the door.
My in-laws had arrived.
They had never looked at me with anything other than disdain. Even before my family went bankrupt—when I was funneling resources to save the Dickerson empire—they felt their precious son deserved a woman with a more prestigious pedigree. Consequently, they rarely set foot in this house.
Their presence today wasn't a social call.
In the living room, my in-laws flanked Evelyn Gilbert on the sofa like bodyguards protecting royalty. The three of them chatted animatedly, laughter ringing off the crystal chandelier. The picture of a perfect, happy family.
Lucas sat opposite them, peeling a tangerine. When I entered, a flicker of guilt passed through his eyes.
Gone in an instant.
"You actually remembered you have a home?"