Page 126 of The Exception

She glanced at Jasper, and they shared a look. What was that about?

“We thought your relationship with Lily was fake. We worried it was all a stunt to get the shares.”

Well, shit. Had we been that obvious? Or did my siblings just know me that well?

“And now?” I asked, unwilling to give anything away.

They weren’t wrong, but I wasn’t going to admit the truth. There was still so much at stake. And besides, what Lily and I had now was real. It didn’t matter that it had started as a lie.

“Now, we see how wrong we were,” Sloan said.

“So wrong.” Jasper screwed his eyes shut, and I gave him a playful shove.

“Though—” Sloan tapped a finger to her lips. “We should probably keep this to ourselves. We don’t want to fuel the gossip about your ‘inappropriate workplace affair.’ If people find out you were having sex in your office, they may draw the conclusion that it’s happened before.”

“That rumor is bullshit,” I scoffed. “Donahue must be getting desperate.”

“Even so, perception matters. You don’t want to throw away all the goodwill you’ve garnered since your marriage. Stock prices have been on the rise too.”

I pounded my fist on the table. “This shouldn’t even be an issue. I’m married. Legally, those shares, and this company, are ours.”

“I know,” Sloan said in a placating tone. “We just need to play the game a little longer.”

I blew out a harsh breath. “Fine.”

“Jasper?” Sloan asked.

“Yeah. Of course,” he agreed.

“How are you feeling?” I asked Sloan, wanting to leave the matter behind.

“Good. Baby is healthy, and I’m finally having less morning sickness.”

“Good,” I said. “I wanted to check in about my travel schedule. Lily has a big event coming up, and I need to stay in France a little longer.”

“How much longer?” Jasper asked.

“An extra week. This event is important to Lily, but it’s also important for the château and the community as a whole.”

“When is it?” Sloan asked.

I gave them the dates and my proposed travel itinerary. Then I said, “Thanks for stepping up in my absence. Especially you, Jasper.” I turned to him.

“It’s fine.” He shrugged it off. “You know I’m happy to help.”

“I know, and you’ve done a good job. I appreciate it.” I held his gaze. “I appreciate you.”

“I…” He blinked a few times. Swallowed. “Yeah. Of course.”

“You have good ideas, and I don’t give you enough credit for all you do for the brand. And Sloan—” I turned to my sister, who quickly swiped away a tear. “Are you crying?”

“I—” She sniffled. “No. Dang pregnancy hormones.”

My expression softened. “You are instrumental to the success of our brand. And you’re going to be such an amazing mom.”

“He’s right,” Jasper chimed in. “I just wish you lived closer. I’m going to hate being an uncle from afar.”

Her lips turned down. “I hate being so far from our families.”

---