Page 87 of Executive Decision

“What does she do?”

“Oh, she just lived to be a horseshow mom. Cal is terrified of horses, and I don’t think it was within the budget when he was young, but the minute I wanted a pony, Mom was there to buy it.”

I smiled. “She always wanted one?”

“Always. I got to live the dream. I always had everything I needed. I am very spoiled, I realize.”

“Yeah, but you’re doing your own thing, too. I won’t judge you for making money through some unconventional means.”

“Good, cuz I forced Cal to take my ‘What I wore to the barn’ post and he totally rolled his eyes. Can you work on that?”

“He loves and supports you,” I assured. “But I cannot do anything to control him, Chlo.”

“Oh, really?” She raised her eyebrows. “That’s cute you think I believe any of that.”

“What?” I feigned confusion.How did she know?

“Don’t lie. He says he’s sleeping with someone. I beat that out of him. And then you’re just… here and he’s trying to save the company and prop you up? Oh, sweetie, I’m a lot smarter than that.”

I didn’t want to insult her.

“Look, this stays here, okay? We haven’t toldanyone.”

“I never tell anyone’s secrets—not even Lanie’s.”

“I am not asking to know anymore, Chloe. But it would be…” I wasn’t even sure what to call it.

“A media firestorm? Yeah. It would besomething. A Delphine and Markham collab? It’s a joining of two dynasties—an empire to build. People would lap it up.”

“But it wouldnothelp your brother.”

“Oh, really? I see my brother has a hot, younger girlfriend from a legendary old money family quite beloved in the city.”

“A girlfriend in the middle of a contentious divorce. I have no idea what my squirrely ex is going to do.”

“I doubt it would change opinions on you two dating. Are you dating or just… hooking up?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer. “We’re exclusive, but it’s not like we can actuallydate.”

“Uh-huh. Just you wait!”

“Chloe—”

I didn’t finish my sentence. A deer hopped out of the brush. Chloe’s horse spooked. She sat her horse’s reaction well. Claire teleported. I knew I was about to lose my seat. Despite holding on for dear life, I quickly lost my grip, falling hard.

* * *

Cal

“Just rest, okay?” I asked.

“Cal, this is an imposition for you all?—”

“It’s really not,” I assured Daphne. “Just rest. Dad is making food. I’ll wake you for dinner, okay?”

“I still worry about sleeping?—”

“The doctors said it was fine, Daphne. What you need isrest. You’re a bad patient.”

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