Page 28 of The Exception

That said, the pool incident might not be such a bad thing. All our guests, including my siblings, had witnessed Lily and me together. Maybe we could spin this as part of our story.

“Good,” I said, even more grateful for Carson and his foresight. “Thank you. I don’t intend to remark on the event. But we’ll need to have Liliana sign a statement detailing her version of events and releasing us from liability.”

“Liliana,” he mused. “The woman who fell into the pool. I got the impression you know her.”

“She was my assistant two years ago.”

He arched one eyebrow. It was subtle, but I’d still seen it. “She used to work for you?”

“Mm. You can deliver the statement to the presidential suite tomorrow morning, along with her new phone.”

“Is there a certain time you’d like that taken care of by?” he asked, though I suspected that wasn’t what he’d truly wanted to say.

“Before nine.”

He made a note on his phone. “Will do. Anything else?”

I considered it briefly, then said, “Make sure the private jet is on standby. I might be heading back to LA early. If so, I’ll also need an appointment at Cartier.”

He arched an eyebrow in surprise, but he said nothing except, “Of course.”

“Thank you, Carson. That will be all for now.”

He let himself out.

In the short time we’d been talking, my family text thread had devolved even more. After Jasper had sent everyone a picture of me in the pool with Liliana, Knox and Nate had provided their own quips. Sloan had shared a GIF of some guy in historical clothing climbing out of a pond, and then they were taking a poll between me and some guys named Mr. Darcy and Anthony Bridgerton. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I rolled my eyes and ignored them. I had bigger things to focus on.

I was putting all the pieces into place to act on my plan, but it didn’t feel real. Was I crazy to consider marrying Liliana? Or was it brilliant?

When the arrangement ended, I’d have accomplished all my goals and then some. Even so, I worried there was some angle I was missing. Something that would leave me vulnerable. I glanced at the clock and decided to text Pierce.

Me: Can you come to my room? It’s time-sensitive.

Less than five minutes later, I was letting Pierce in.

He gave my robe a pointed glance. “I’m not used to such casual attire for our meetings,” he teased, following me over to the sofa. “What’s going on?”

“How fast can you draft a prenup and get a marriage license in California?”

Despite Liliana’s reservations, I was positive she would agree. How could she not, given the circumstances? She was desperate.

Was I a bad person for taking advantage of her situation? Maybe. Or maybe I was merely proposing a mutually beneficial arrangement. She didn’t have to say yes.

He spluttered. Coughed. “Come again?”

In the past, I’d always been opposed to the idea of marriage. Mostly because I couldn’t imagine anyone I’d want to spend my life with. I still couldn’t, but Liliana and I would have a business agreement. A partnership founded on mutual goals. Of a limited duration.

I explained, and Pierce listened quietly, only occasionally interjecting. Finally, he said, “I know I suggested this—mostly as a joke. But as your lawyer, I feel compelled to point out the risks.”

“I’m aware of the risks. But without risk, there is no reward.”

And the potential reward was substantial. According to the terms of my grandfather’s will, if I married by the age of forty-five, I’d receive an additional ten percent of the Huxley Grand shares. An equal percentage coming from all board members who weren’t his blood relatives. If I didn’t marry by the required age, I’d forfeit that advantage and have to find another way to gain the upper hand. Or otherwise continually be at the mercy of the board.

In the past, I’d had enough allies on the board. I hadn’t wanted to sour those relationships by taking away their shares, nor had it been necessary to maintain the control I needed. But with Steve gone, and my inability to acquire a majority of the shares, that argument was less and less compelling.

“I get that, but if you’re caught…” He blew out a breath. “You could not only lose the extra shares but your position as CEO. Hell, Graham.” He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “It’s technically fraud. You could go to jail.”

“It’s not going to come to that.”

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