Page 30 of Trust

“Good God, that sounds dangerous.”

“Maria had a fever, and they were stuck at home. I had just developed cankles?—”

“What the bloody hell is that?”

She laughed. “My ankles are really swollen, so I had my favorite heels taken away from me, and I had to keep my feet up. We needed to entertain ourselves.”

“What did you find?”

“Well, she’s tried to latch herself to a few billionaires. Mainly tech bros. And she seemed to be interested in a few athletes. One of those tech bros is Charlie Wellington.”

“I thought he’d been married for years.”

“Yeah. I think she broke up his marriage, but then he dumped her. It wasn’t long afterward that she started dating Ben.”

“Well, he’s not a billionaire. The business is a family business, shared with all the relatives. He’s beyond wealthy, but she might not understand. Lani said that she got the woman to sign a prenup by saying Royal needed to protect her brand name and assets.”

“She’s smart, your Lani. You know Alek’s family features their brand in the surf shop here at the resort.”

His brother-in-law’s family owned a resort on Maui.

“She’s not mine.”

“Well, you must do more if you want her to be. Not just the fake relationship thing going on.”

It wasn’t fake on his part.

“Got any suggestions?”

“Well, since you are being mean and don’t want to see me?—”

“I did not say that.”

She continued on as if he hadn’t spoken. “What is she doing today?”

“Wedding stuff. I told you. Royal acts like Lani works for her.”

“You should go help her. Or take her something like her favorite treat.”

“That’s Hawaiian ice. It would melt before I could get it to Turtle Bay.”

“Hmm, is there anything else?”

“I’ll figure it out. You get to rest, and I’ll see you Sunday.”

“Keep me updated on your progress.”

“Sure.”

Which meant that he wouldn’t bother her. Not unless she wouldn’t leave him alone through texts, which was a sure bet. After hanging up with her, he heard Marta arrive.

“You’re up early,” she said with a smile. She had worked for the family for several years and knew them well.

“I need some help.”

“Of course.”

“I want to take a friend—a lady friend—something. I plan on taking a piece of that cheesecake, but I feel like I should take her something more.”

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