Page 102 of Her Wicked Seduction
“Nope. Even behind bars, Saira Quinn still controls some media groups,” I argued.
“She’s got every reason to hate you. You’re screwing her ex,” Erin sneered.
I gave her a lazy smile. “You’re one to talk. Remind me again who warmed Alistair’s bed before I did?”
She cocked her head, eyes hard. “Are you accusing me of something now?”
“Fuck off, Erin. I’m tired of you.”
She flashed that cold, collagen smile. “Why would I hurt you? We’re family, remember?” She turned away, heels clicking as she stalked back to Camilla, who clung to her nanny.
I let my satisfaction linger. Alistair was mine now, and she hated it. I scanned the room for Oliver, but he’d already slipped out—maybe another headache, or maybe he just couldn’t handle the drama.
“Don’t trust Erin,” a familiar voice said behind me.
I turned. “Elizabeth.”
My heart jumped. How much had she overheard?
She slid her gaze sideways, nodding toward the hallway. “Come with me. There’s a private room where we can talk.”
Elizabeth and I sat in an ornate room with French windows. Snow started to fall on the terrace outside. “How much of the talk did you hear?” I asked, placing my hands on my lap.
“I heard enough,” she said, adjusting her diamond brooch. “I want to talk about my son. I understand he’s told you everything about him.”
I nodded with a frown.
“Alistair trusts you with his secrets, and he trusts you with his life,” she pointed out. “He is in love with you, not Bianca.”
“Yet, he’s attracted to her,” I argued. “Bianca is the first woman Alistair had consensual sex with, and they have a bond.”
“Oh, he loves her.” Elizabeth’s earnest green eyes drilled into mine. “However, he’s not in love with her. They’re friends, and that’s how they will remain. Of course, it’s up to you to decide the fate of their friendship.”
“Up to me?” My voice hitched.
“Yes, Vera. It’s up to you.” Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, she continued, “He would choose you over his closest friends and even his own family if he ever had to make that choice.”
“He won’t have to choose,” I assured.
Elizabeth clutched one of the decorative pillows and toyed with the embroidered design before gazing intently at me again. “Do you trust my son?”
“Yes. Still, I don’t trust everyone in the Scott family. Especially Erin.” I let the pause hang before adding, “And no offense, Oliver.”
“I’ll tell you what happened to Erin years ago.”
“Oh?” I started to see a fierce woman emerge from behind the hospitable façade. Elizabeth was every bit as forthright as I was.
“Did you see her emerald necklace and earrings today?”
“It’s hard not to notice. I can only imagine the cost of them.”
“They’re mine.”
“Why is she wearing them?”
Elizabeth cleared her throat, then squared her shoulders. “Alistair was a college student when he started dating her. She seemed lovely at first sight, but looks are deceiving.”
“Boy, don’t I know it,” I huffed.
