C16, PT. 2

“I can’t believe Roth hasn’t tried to interfere.”

If Lyle and Colette were getting calls about her activities, there was no way he didn’t know. Aside from the observation reports, he couldn’t miss the printouts scattered over the kitchen island. If he’d asked a single question about her suddenly hectic schedule or the financial reports she was pouring over, it would have given her the opportunity to discuss her investments, but he hadn’t.

“He’s preoccupied with a project,” she said defensively and added, “I would have thought you out of all people would be happy he isn’t butting into what I do with my money. You’re the one who wanted to look over my prenup.”

He gave a one shoulder shrug. “The prenup is ironclad. The one hundred million dollar settlement you’d get if you divorced is unheard of. No man would put that into a marriage contract unless he was in for the long haul. Even a billionaire wouldn’t part with one hundred million if he could help it.”

Roth’s tactic to lull her family into believing their marriage wasn’t one of convenience had paid off.

“There are countless things about your husband that put me on edge, but business isn’t one of them. Hell, even I’m taking advantage. When I heard about the deal he’s negotiating in Los Angeles, I called him.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “You did?”

“He said if it goes through, he’d let me in.” He glanced distractedly at his computer. “He’s supposed to go this week, right?”

“Today,” she said evenly. “When did you call him?”

“A little over a week ago.”

She turned her head and looked out at the view. “It looks like it’s going to snow.”

“It’s supposed to. Winter’s come on hard and fast this year.” He surveyed her serene expression suspiciously. “You should talk to him about what you’re doing with your money. I guarantee he won’t feel like you’re overstepping some silly boundary. He’ll be happy you’re confiding in him.”

She nodded even though she wouldn’t. She didn’t want to be like everyone else—constantly asking him for financial advice. This is what she went to school for, what her family had been doing for generations. She could do this on her own.

Lyle shook his head as he slipped his hands into his pockets. “The way you Hennessy women think is whacked.”

“You have no idea what I’m thinking.”

“I can read you like a book.”

She stuck her tongue out at him, even though her insides felt like lead. “How’s Polara?”

The smile that lit up his face tugged at her heartstrings.

“She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me outside of Colette. My schedule’s all over the place because I don’t like being away from her.”

She swallowed hard. “I’m so happy for you. At Thanksgiving, you and Colette seemed so…”

“We’re better than ever,” he said smugly. “I knew having a baby would break down her walls. She’s a natural mother.”

“It looks good on her,” she agreed. “But what happens when she goes back to work?”

He flicked his hand dismissively. “Ariana seems to be handling the company just fine. I’m hoping Colette will either step down from her position or get out altogether. I’d like more kids and have them close in age if possible.”

Her blood ran cold. Ariana was hanging on by a thread and, judging by what Colette shared at Thanksgiving, she was nowhere near done with Hennessy & Co and had no aspirations to expand the family beyond Polara. “And if she isn’t on board with any of that?”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He raised a brow. “How are you and Roth?”

“Good.” When his eyes narrowed, she tacked on, “Great.”

“I heard you interrupted a meeting and nearly had sex in front of everyone.”

Her mouth dropped. “We didn’t! He just kissed me,” she sputtered and then slapped the arm of the chair. “Those guys are such gossips!”

He chuckled. “Honestly, I was happy to hear the tale, exaggerated though it may be. Sounds like a man who’s infatuated with his wife. As he should be. I also hear he’s changed his schedule to allow for more personal time.”

She stiffened. “You’re keeping tabs?”

“Of course,” he said as if that was a given.

“You promised you would back off!”

“No, I didn’t.” When she started to rise from her chair, he held up a hand. “I’m being smart about it, Min. Don’t worry.”

“Lyle!”

“I’m the least of his problems. He’s making his blacklist with Maximus’ old partners who fucked him over, public. I don’t know if he’s suicidal or a genius, but he’s making some aggressive moves that have everyone on edge. Believe me, I’m not the only one watching him like a hawk. He’s a loose cannon. We’re friendly rivals at the moment, but I’d be a fool not to watch my back.”

She sighed and rubbed the space between her brows. “I just want you all to get along. Is that too much to ask? I don’t want to have to choose between him or family again.”

“We’re trying, cara.”

She let out a shuddering breath. “I just saw Ariana.”

“How did that go?”

Her eyes filled with tears. He retook his seat and put his arm around her as she buried her face against his chest and cried. He stroked her hair and murmured reassurances in Italian.

“I can talk to her.”

“Don’t bother. She’s entitled to her opinion.”

She swiped at the tears now falling freely down her cheeks. She wasn’t sure where all this emotion was coming from and desperately tried to cram it down, but it kept bubbling up, threatening to spill everywhere.

“Maybe it’s best to let it rest,” she said thickly. “It’s Roth and my first Christmas together. Maybe we should spend it alone.”

In between meetings, she had been acquiring gifts for friends and family, but most especially him, since he expressed interest in them this time around. On a whim, she bought something extravagant. One of her friends from Wharton’s knew someone in the business and took care of it, so there was no paper trail for Roth to find out on his own. The gift was overboard, but she was determined to make up for the lackluster ones she’d given in the past. It was sentimental and romantic and would benefit both of them in the long run. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction.

**This is a raw draft of Bitter Confessions. Please do not share or distribute.

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