Page 138 of The Exception

“Thanks for being here. I’m sorry about the other night,” I said, referring to our disagreement after the poker game. “I know you were just trying to protect me, and I appreciate it.”

He nodded, twisting the sleeve around his coffee cup. “I was, but I could’ve gone about it a better way.”

My chest warmed at his admission, something inside me relaxing.

“I put you in a difficult position—asking you to be both my attorney and my friend. I’m sure it’s not an easy line to walk.”

“At times, it’s tricky. Like now. How do you want me to approach this situation?” he asked. “As your attorney or your friend?” There was no hurt in his tone. No anger. We’d said our piece, and we could move on.

“Both,” I said. “I know it’s not fair of me to ask, but I need you to be both. And right now, I just need you to be my friend.”

“Okay. As your friend, how are you doing?”

“I’m a fucking mess.” I dragged a hand down my face. “I know I should be thinking about how we’re going to handle this situation with Lily’s family, but all I care about is making sure Sloan is okay.”

Hell, I should’ve told Lily to go back to the château. Back toles Journées du patrimoine. But I was selfish, and I needed her here—with me.

“If I’d known what Jasper was planning,” Pierce said, “I would’ve tried to stop it. Or at the very least given you a heads-up.”

“I appreciate that. Just like I appreciate you for being here for me, for my family.”

“Of course I’m here.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’re family.”

“Yes. We are.”

And that was what family did—show up. But not Lily’s family. At least, not without significant inducement—a free trip. I understood that money might be a barrier, but there were other ways they could support Lily, even from afar. It didn’t seem like that had been the case, and it made me even more determined to give Lily my love and support.

After Piece excused himself to make a call, Lily took his place. “Everything okay?”

I placed my hand on her thigh and nodded. “I was an ass, and I needed to apologize to Pierce.”

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, and she leaned her head against me. It was comforting—having her here. And I was grateful she’d volunteered to come. I would’ve never asked her to choose between the château and me, but I now knew that if it came down to it, she’d put our family first. And that helped center me, just knowing that Lily was with me.

We waited for what felt like forever. But every time I glanced at my watch, only five minutes had passed. Still no word from Sloan or Jackson, and I was growing more and more anxious by the minute.

Every time the door from the hospital opened, I looked up, hoping it was Jackson with good news. And in between, I found myself questioning everything. My grandparents’ decision to put me in charge. My plan to marry Lily to gain control of the board.

All I’d ever wanted was to protect my family and our brand, but in my quest to do so, was I actually destroying everything I loved? And if so, how could I keep the company intact but end this fight?

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t realize Jackson had come through the doors until Jasper shot out of his seat. I tried to get a read on Jackson’s expression.

“How is she?” Jasper asked.

“The doctor said Sloan will be fine,” Jackson said, relief etched on his features. “Baby too. But they want to keep her overnight for observation.”

We all sagged with relief.

“That’s great news,” Lily said, stepping forward to place a hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “How are you hanging in there?”

“Exhausted. Relieved. Grateful,” he said, summarizing my own feelings. I felt as if I’d aged a decade over the course of an afternoon.

“What can we do to help?” Jasper asked. “Does Sloan need anything from the hotel? Do you?”

This was exactly why Jasper was so good at his job. He was always so thoughtful. Always thinking of what would make others feel more comfortable. More at home.

Jackson shook his head. “We’ll be fine, but thanks.”

“Can we see her?” I asked, needing to check on my baby sister. To see for myself that she was okay.

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