Page 20 of The Billionaire's Vow

She blew out and fluffed her hair. “We both wanted to lead. He has a type, sweet and innocent.” She wrinkled her nose. “I can play his sweet plaything because he’s sexy for a while, but we both know it’s not my thing.”

I groaned. “I hate you for not telling me that. What if he asked me about you?”

She grinned. “So what? He won’t care. Trust me. Anyway, you’re sleeping with a sex God, so we’re even.” She called over her shoulder as she walked away to the corner of the room to make the call.

How did this woman get my number?It didn’t surprise me that she already knew our wedding was postponed, but wasn’t it cliché and predictable that the media would play that route? Marjorie had been Rocco’s BLAH BLAH BLAH, but Rocco had assured me that there was nothing but friendship between them. As Cassidy made her call, I went to my desk and laptop and typed in Rocco and Marjorie’s names.

The first result was a photo of Marjorie hugging Rocco in front of his family outside a building in New York City.

She wasted no time.And what if Rocco only told me he let their relationship go because he couldn’t leave me, but now he could?He hasn’t called yet and he must know their photos are out there.A lump lodged in my throat, and my stomach knotted.What’s going on?

“Gunnar’s getting your number changed,” Cass said, pulling me from my thoughts. “He’s also giving the woman a call, and oh, how I wish I could listen in. There’s nothing better than a rake over the coals…Hey, is that Marjorie Storm?” I glanced back at her just as her mouth dropped open.

“Well…It’s probably a coincidence. The photos only show Marjorie supporting a friend. That’s it. You told Rocco you wanted to go to your parent’s home or you’d of been there with him.”

That all was true.

“Honestly, when I received your message that you were returning here, I was shocked. You hate staying here.”

I came because I needed time to think about Mr. Marini helping Judge Colby, and what Rocco may know about it. However, telling Cassidy would only make her hate them when I didn’t have all the facts yet.I’ll tell her more soon.

I pinched the bridge of my nose to stop the sting at the back of my eyes. It was easier said than done. Seeing Rocco’s arms around Marjorie…hurt.

“Wait for the facts, Lina. Give Rocco a chance to explain and if he has no explanation, make him pay dearly for hurting you.” Cassidy tried to joke to lighten the mood but to be honest, I didn’t want Rocco to pay if he wanted Marjorie back. He deserved happiness.

I had only hoped it would be with me.

Cassidy was leaving too soon. As we stood in front of the house, I held her tight. “Call me anytime. I mean it. If you want to talk after the funeral.”

I squeezed her shoulders and let her go. “I will,” I said, my voice betraying the uncertainty and fear I felt inside.

“He’ll call, but it sounds like he’ll see you in a couple of days. You can always call him.”

Despite my inner turmoil, I nodded in agreement. Rocco had sent a text late at night. It was vague, and left me with a mix of emotions.

Rocco: I heard about the call. I’m sorry. As you know, we changed your number. Isla sent it to your contacts for you. We had back to back meetings. I have a plane coming to take youand the family to the funeral on Friday in NYC. I hope you feel better. Please try to rest.

His message was pretty formal, but I understood he didn’t want to share anything personal if my phone was hacked again. I waved at Cassidy until she turned her Prius off the drive, then took a deep breath and headed back inside. I had only made it as far as Mr. Belfiore’s office when he called me inside.

“Adelina? Come in and close the door, please.” His tone was light, almost pleasant. Suspicion filled my head, and dread churned my stomach. Nothing good usually came from our small talks. However, I did as he asked.

He was dressed in a polo and slacks. His golf bag was near the door, though he was seated behind his desk.

I sat down in the cushioned chair across from him. “Going out?”

“Yes, I am,” he answered. “How was your friend’s visit?”

I bobbed my head. “Cassidy’svisit was great. Thanks. You know you could have spoken to her at any time.”

His lips curved upward. “Dropping in without an invitation doesn’t mean I have to alter my plans. It’s poor manners, but what else do you expect with Hollywood parents—”

“Don’t talk bad about my best friend, please,” I spoke over him.

“I wouldn’t talk bad about her if she had manners. Now, that’s enough of that,” he snapped.

I blew out my breath. It wasn’t worth arguing with Mr. Belfiore and honestly, Cassidy’s visit had been much better without their involvement.

“I’ve heard news from Rocco’s lawyers.”

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