Page 35 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
“My dear, I hate to ask…but did Sam leave you anything?”
“I’m sorry, what?” My hand flinches, and I almost hit my water glass. Why is she suddenly bringing him up?
“In his will? Or otherwise? Did Sam leave you anything? Weddings are very expensive. Tony has a certain image and reputation to uphold. A cheap courthouse ceremony or Vegas elopement won’t do. And it’s traditionally the bride who takes care of such…financial details.”
She could’ve told me she was an undercover unicorn and I wouldn’t be more surprised. If we were merely speaking over the phone, I might think she’s concerned for her son, except her barren eyes betray her.
“I never expected Sam to pay, and I don’t think Tony is a stickler for tradition.”
“Still. Sam took care of you for the last nine years.”
“That’s precisely why I never expected him to.” I give her a smile dripping with faux gratitude. I don’t know how much she knows about what went on between me and Sam, but even if he were to come back from the dead, apologize and offer to pay for the entire thing, I’d still decline. His kindness had a hefty price tag.
“But—”
“He didn’t leave me anything. Everything went to Marty, as it should. I imagine he also got Sam’s Dictaphone full of great ideas.” Sam loved that thing, carried it everywhere. Just in case, so he wouldn’t forget anything.
Margot visibly deflates, digging her teeth into her lip until it turns almost white.
I don’t think she realizes she’s biting her lip. Why does she care so much about what Sam gave me? And why the disappointment? It isn’t like Tony and I want her to pay. Or is that what she thinks? “You don’t need to worry about it. We can sort it out on our own.”
Tony has plenty of money to pay for everything himself. And even if he didn’t, he’d never go to his parents for it. After seeing Margot, I wouldn’t let him.
“Do you know I raised you as my own daughter?” she asks.
I nod, wondering what angle she’s going for now. Part of me wants to ask how long she’s known I’m alive, but another part of me doesn’t want to bother. I can’t make myself believe for a moment that she’d tell me the truth. She’s a manipulator, just like Sam. The only thing genuine about her is her diamonds and her obvious distaste and hatred for Tony.
“Although we never officially adopted you, you are like my own child. It’s my duty to pay for the ceremony.”
Aghast, I gape at her. I think she’s waiting for me to be touched, but instead, I want to shower and scrub my ears extra hard. Maybe it’s the use of the word “duty” that makes me extra uncomfortable.
“It isn’t necessary.” In case I’m not clear enough, I add, “Really.”
Even if Margot hadn’t likened it to a “duty,” I’d still turn her down. She’s made it clear she’s unhappy Sam left me nothing, because that means she has to pay for everything. I don’t need her money that badly. Neither does Tony. And I have a feeling her “duty” comes with a price tag higher than Sam’s.
“But Ivy, I want to do right by you. You don’t want to look opportunistic.”
I stiffen. “Excuse me?”
“I’m sorry, but there’s really no polite way to say it. Like one of those gold diggers. It simply doesn’t look good—the vast difference between your and Tony’s wealth.”
Screw good manners. “Are you speaking from experience?”
Margot’s perfectly plucked golden eyebrows twitch. “Partly. I don’t want you to go through what I did. People love to whisper, and it will bother him.”
I snort inwardly. She can do better than this if she’s trying to break us apart.
“You know what? Tony knows the truth about my feelings, and what other people think won’t bother him.”
“It won’t be good for him or his business if people think he’s an idiot. Not that he isn’t capable of protecting himself from those who might try to undermine him, but why create more friction?”
“If people think he’s an idiot, it’s their mistake,” I say, surprised and disappointed that this is really what Margot wants to talk about. “The more they underestimate him, the more mistakes they’ll make. It will only benefit Tony.”
Margot gives me another of her soulless smiles. “And your children? What will they think if someone points and calls you a gold digger?”
I suck in a breath. How dare she drag Tony’s and my future children into this?
She continues, “You’re right about Tony, but he’s an adult. Children are often very cruel…and easily hurt. I can just imagine yours. Most likely sweet-natured, with a talent for music. Delicate. They won’t have enough life experience to understand you aren’t a materialistic woman who only married their father for money.”
