Page 59 of Crocodile Tears

Alex looked at the camera team sourly and shook his head. “No. Change of plan,” he said brusquely. He didn’t trust the crew not to take footage of him with Solange, and he had enough experience with the media to know what they’d do with the story of Alexander Lytton and a woman as stunning as her. He’d managed to avoid publicity for the past three years, and he intended to keep it that way.

Instead, he took his family and the unwanted crew to the college, then made an excuse to duck out for a few minutes, so he could call Solange without them overhearing.

“Where the hell are you?” she asked grumpily.

“Sorry – Charles brought along a film crew, so the meeting’s off,” he told her.

“Why? What difference does it make?”

“Trust me, you don’t want them noticing you and sniffing around after a story.”

“Is this just an excuse to get out of introducing me to your family?”

“No. Don’t give me a hard time about this, Solange.”

“We agreed?—”

“And I’m sorry, but it’s for the best,” he snapped. “Look, you can meet them another time, just not today. It’s vital you keep well away from all things Lytton today. Not just at the ceremony, but after, too – understand?”

“Okay. I’m disappointed, but I understand,” she said quietly.

He took his family to the big marquee pitched on the college lawn for the pre-ceremony party. A little entourage of admirers soon surrounded Charles’s wheelchair, taking films of themselves with him.

His brother smiled and joked with them, his dimples working overtime, and Alex found it oddly reassuring – watching him charm his audience was like watching a maestro at work. He started to relax – he couldn’t stay angry for long when Charles was flashing that smile around. He turned to his father.

“I was thinking – could I have a few more weeks here, before I start at Lytton AV?” he requested. If there was ever a good moment to ask it was now, with his father basking in the glow of his university success.

Noah frowned. “What about the Paralympics? Aren’t you coming to Mexico City with us in August?”

“I don’t think that would be a good idea, do you?” he replied quietly. “You know how the media get around me.”

“Charles will be disappointed.”

“Yes, but you and I both know it’s the right thing to do – yes?” Alex gave his father a meaningful look.

Noah sighed. “I suppose so. So, when do you want to join us at Lytton AV?”

“How about the week after you get back from Mexico City? I’m sure you’ll want to be there to introduce me into the family business, so there’s no point in me starting there while you’re away.”

“Fine. You’ve earned the break, son, and you have a lifetime of hardwork ahead of you.” His father grasped both his shoulders. “I really am proud of you, but don’t stop now – there’s a long way to go yet.”

Alex felt a familiar stab of irritation – he’d gained a first-class degree and this was his graduation day – was nothing ever going to be good enough for his father?

“Why don’t I go and get us all some drinks?” he suggested, needing some breathing space.

There was a long queue at the bar, but he wasn’t in a hurry. He waited in line, smiling as he watched his brother flirt with all the pretty girls surrounding his wheelchair. He realised that for the first time in a long time he felt genuinely happy. He’d come through some bad times, but there were good ones ahead. He was sure of it.

As he carried his tray of drinks back to his family, he saw his father talking to a man he vaguely recognised. He paused – his father looked angry and was stabbing his finger repeatedly in the air. The stranger smiled urbanely and withdrew, brushing past Alex on his way to the bar, then pausing.

“Alexander? Alexander Lytton! You must have been this high when I last saw you.” He held his hand by his waist.

“Sorry, do I know you?” Alex put the tray of drinks down on a nearby table and shook the man’s proffered hand.

“I’m not surprised you don’t remember me,” the stranger chuckled. “I’m George Tyler.”

“TheGeorge Tyler?” Alex asked. “Owner of Tyler Tech?”

Tyler held up his hands. “Guilty as charged.” Completely bald, he had intense brown eyes set in an angular face, a long, straight nose, and a pointed chin with a little cleft. With his lean, toned body sharply dressed in a tight-fitting black shirt-and-suit ensemble, open at the neck, and a handshake that was firm and brisk, he exuded a sexy energy.

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