Page 142 of The Exception

She didn’t deserve anything from me, least of all an explanation. But I felt compelled to say, “I love Graham because of who he is. I would still love him even if he didn’t have a penny to his name.”

“Oh, please,” Iris said. “Cut the crap, Lily. You married him for money, and he…” She paused. “I have no idea why he married you.”

She kept talking, but I was done listening. Nothing had changed.

All I knew was that Jo and Graham and his siblings had been more of a family to me than any of them ever had. It was what gave me the strength to finally say, “I’m no longer interested in your version of being a ‘family.’ I’m done. Don’t call me again. And don’t you even dare think about speaking to Graham’s family.”

My hands were shaking so badly that I had to jab the disconnect button several times to end the call. But when I finally ended it, I knew that was it. It was done. Over.

I took a few deep breaths and tried to collect myself. I knew from my experience with restoration that sometimes things got worse before they could get better. But right now, it felt like everything was falling apart.

When I stood and turned to go back inside, Graham was standing a few feet away, his expression like a thundercloud. He was pissed, and it was a glorious sight to behold. Fury radiated from him, his hands fisted at his sides.

“Jesus, Lil. Is that how your family usually speaks to you?”

I dropped my head and blew out a breath. “Yes.”

He typed something on his phone and then held it to his ear. Before I could ask him what he was doing, he said, “Please escort the entire Fontaine family from the property. They are not welcome at the château or any of our homes or hotels.”

My jaw dropped open in shock, but then he was making another call.

“Carson,” he said. “I need you to add the Fontaine family to the list of unwelcome guests.”

Carson said something I couldn’t make out. Then Graham said, “Call the hotel in the Loire Valley and tell them the Fontaines are checking out immediately. Arrange for transportation to the airport, and please tell the pilot to have the plane ready in an hour.”

It wasn’t long before he ended the call, and I continued to stare at Graham in shock. No one had ever gone to bat for me like that against my family, not since Auntie Jackie had died. And here he was, angry and protective on my behalf.

“Wow. That was…unexpected.”

“And entirely necessary.” His eyes flashed with anger—for me. “No one hurts you and gets away with it.”

“What if the board finds out?”

“Ifthe board finds out, then they should be pleased that I was protecting my wife.” The words flowed off his tongue, smooth as silk.

He always found a way to spin the situation to his advantage. Was that what he was doing with me?

I pushed away that thought. Years of dealing with my family’s bullshit made it difficult for me to trust anything. Believe in anything. But I wanted to trust Graham. Ididtrust Graham. And yet, I couldn’t seem to move past my doubts and fears.

After the day we’d had—after the interactions with my family and worrying about Sloan—my logical reasoning skills were shot. Emotion was in the driver’s seat, and she could be a reckless bitch.

“Protecting your wife or protecting me, Lily?” I asked, hating how insecure I sounded.

He furrowed his brow, and then he seemed to decide something. He stepped forward, cupping the back of my neck. He looked me in the eye. “In case I haven’t made it clear, the board can go fuck themselves. You’re my wife.You’remy priority.”

I sucked in a gasp. He’d never said anything like that. Yes, he’d said he loved me. And I knew he did, but the board and their expectations had always loomed over our relationship. It was a big reason why we’d married after all.

“I’m protective of you not because of our agreement. Or because you’re married to me. But because you’reyou. Because I. Love. You, Lily.”

My shoulders relaxed, and something inside me eased at his words. “I’m sorry. I know you love me. Interacting with my family just really fucks with my head.”

“I can imagine,” Graham said, rubbing my shoulders. “And I’m proud of you for standing up to them. I would’ve never suggested that you hear them out if I’d understood the extent of their toxic behavior. I’m sorry.”

“You couldn’t have known. I should’ve told you.” I wished I had.

“I’m done letting people push my family around. I’m done letting the board control my life. I’m done letting them hurt the people I love.”

“I get that, but until they concede the fact that you and your family own a majority share, nothing’s going to change.”

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