Page 96 of Owen

Stanley.

Evangeline’s father.

“Owen.” He tips his head in acknowledgment. “Can we talk?”

Uncertainty washes over me, and I turn my attention back to Jade.

“Go,” she says, never taking her eyes off Stanley. “Clear the air.” She moves out of my arms. “I’ll be here. I will always be here for you.”

28

JADE

With all the mourners gone, leaving only Evangeline and her mother, who are still waiting for Owen and Stanley to reappear from the office down the hall, I have listened to Camilla make mindless chitchat about garden parties, charity work, and all the grand balls they’ve been invited to this year.

I wish Owen would come back.

What the hell are he and Stanley talking about?

While Evangeline’s mother, Joyce, has sat talking to Camilla politely, Evangeline on the other has been staring at me from across the room, shooting poison-tipped daggers my way for the last twenty minutes.

I realize that simply breathing the same air has made her despise me. After all, I am the woman whose arms Owen ranintowhile runningaway fromher unwelcome ones.

It’s clear what Owen meant about Evangeline being a child. She’s too young to get married. From her looks to her need to be the center of attention, everything about her—including the threatening glare she’s giving me right now—only highlights her immaturity.

I throw her a gigantic smile while peeling the uncomfortable black patent heels off my feet.

Easy, little girl, don’t play with the big girls.

“Excuse me.” I give a gentle nod in their direction, cutting through Camilla and Joyce’s conversation. “I’ll go check on the men and see what the holdup is.” I hope I don’t bump into Gideon or his father, who slipped away only a minute ago. Those two are slimy as hell and give a whole new meaning to the word creepy.

Evangeline continues to examine me, dropping her disapproving glare down and then up my body as I rise. Holding my head high, I make my way out of the room.

“Thanks, Jade.” Camilla gives me a curt nod.

Walking out of the drawing room faster than intended, I travel down the narrow stone hall in my black stocking-covered feet, taking in the vast tapestries and oil paintings lining the walls.

My gaze lingers for a second too long on the stuffed wall-mounted wild stag’s head and a cold shiver runs down my spine, making me run for a couple of steps in the hope of getting to Owen quicker. I’m not easily spooked, but this place gives me the jitters.

In contrast to this dark gothic castle, Owen did a really good job of playing down how beautiful and welcoming his hometown is. It’s a place I could see myself retiring. My mom said the same thing, too. Since we’ve been here, she’s spent hours with Poppy and Aunt Babs on the beaches, exploring the cobbled streets of the town and ancient ruins. We’ve also had dinner at both Lincoln and Violet’s, and Jacob and Skye’s. I thought it would be awkward with Skye being Owen’s ex, his high school sweetheart, but it wasn’t. Not even a smidge.

I have bonded with those girls and theirsmitten with themmen quicker than I thought possible, and can see why Owen loves his friends, and they love him back just as hard.

I can see why Owen spent hours away from home and more time with his friends when he was growing up.

Almost at the office at the end of the corridor, I tiptoe further along and the faint voices of both Owen and Stanley drift my way.

Moving closer, I am just about to push the door open when Stanley’s next words stop me in my tracks. “They are dangerous men. You need to be very careful. Your father was a fool to get himself involved with Sanderson Shipping. They are not good people, Owen.”

“I know Gideon and Richard are not to be messed with, Stanley. I warned my father time and time again. Since my return, they haven’t mentioned anything about any debt or discussed money. Nor has Camilla.” Owen sounds astonished. “How do you know my father still owed them money? And how much was it, do you know?”

“I heard a rumor it was millions,” Stanley replies.

I cover my mouth with my hand to stifle my gasp.

He lowers his voice. “He made promises he couldn’t keep.”

“My father lost billions. Owing them millions is insignificant by comparison,” Owen remarks dryly as I spy on them through the gap in the door.

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