Page 50 of The Exception

“I know I pushed for this, but we can find another way to get the shares.”

“We’ve been trying everything we can think of for fifteen months. We’re running out of time, and this is our best option.” Our only option, really. Moretti’s offer was like a ticking time bomb.

I avoided Pierce’s reflection in the mirror where he stood behind me. Instead, I kept my eyes focused on my jacket, smoothing out invisible wrinkles. As far as I could tell, everything was falling into place.

“Why? Did Liliana say something to you?” I turned to face Pierce.

He’d visited Liliana at the penthouse yesterday to go over the remaining legal documents. Had she said something to him then? Expressed reservations? Had Josephine tried to talk her out of it?

I hadn’t spent much time with Liliana since returning to LA, but I’d been swamped with meetings and calls and emails. She was often asleep when I returned home, and I knew she’d been busy with fittings and work obligations of her own.

So far, our engagement was barely affecting my life. If anything, it was better. Queen V and Prince Albert seemed to enjoy her company, and she’d sent me pictures from their walks. Otherwise, she mostly kept to her room and herself.

I hoped it would remain that way even after we were married. Not that I didn’t like Liliana. But I couldn’t let our fake relationship get in the way of my plans. As soon as I was in possession of those extra shares, I wanted to hit the ground running.

“No.” Pierce blew out a breath. “She didn’t say anything. I only hope you realize what you’re getting into.”

“With her?” I frowned.

“And the château. That’s one hell of a project.” He let out a low whistle. “And unlike your other projects, you won’t have control over the château or the restoration. Liliana is running the show, and I hope she knows what she’s doing. Otherwise, you can kiss your twenty-million-dollar investment goodbye.”

Did I like the idea of giving up control? No. But I’d been thorough with my research, and I had faith in her.

“She does,” I said, annoyed by his interference. I’d done my own due diligence. But I’d also listened to her plans, watched her videos. She had a vision, and she had the fortitude to see it through. Now, she’d have the money.

He fell silent, but I could feel the tension thickening in the room. Soon, you’d be able to cut it with a knife.

Finally, I asked, “What’s this really about?” Pierce was one of the few people I trusted not to bullshit me.

He sighed, looked toward the ceiling as if seeing guidance. “I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret.”

“And you think I’ll regret marrying Lily.”

I’d made my decision. Liliana was set to walk down the aisle in minutes. Now was not the time for second-guessing.

“Not necessarily.” He shifted, shoving his hands into the pockets of his tux. “But I wouldn’t be a very good friend if I didn’t ask if you were sure.”

“I’m sure.”

I was so sick of letting the board run amok. I was done with veiled threats and fears. I’d done everything in my power to keep the company from falling into the hands of an idiot like Donahue. And there was no way in hell I was going to let him destroy everything my grandparents had worked for in a “merger.”

I spun my grandfather’s ring on my pinkie finger and stilled.Pops.

I wondered what he’d think of my solution. Would he find it clever, misguided, or downright deceptive?

Everything I’d done was to make them proud. To live up to their legacy. To try to be a worthy successor.

And this… I massaged my temples. A fake marriage. A sham. I swallowed hard. I didn’t have to wonder what they’d think; I knew exactly how they’d feel about dishonesty and deception.

I didn’t want to let Liliana down. I knew how much she had riding on our agreement. And I wasn’t someone who went back on their word—not without good reason. But… My stomach churned. I also hated the idea of disappointing my grandparents. It didn’t seem right to let Lily agree to this, especially without knowing the full story.

I dropped my head to my chest, eyeing the sunflower-and-fern combination of my boutonnière, wondering what Gran would’ve picked for my wedding flowers. Black dahlias for betrayal. Or perhaps snapdragons for deceit and grasping intentions.

“I think I need to talk to Liliana.”

Pierce patted my shoulder. “I’ll make sure Josephine is occupied.”

I walked down the hall to the guest room, my shoes clicking against the floor. I took a deep breath and lifted my hand to knock. Lowered it. Sighed and lifted it again, rapping my knuckles against the door.

---