Page 104 of Filthy Hot Billionaire
I refrained from teasing her for the moment, reaching for her hand instead. “I’ve got something I want to show you.”
She fell into step when I led her toward the elevator.
“Where are we going?”
“Have you been to the Delta June’s showroom?” Kieran asked, taking over the conversation.
Her expression softened as she peered over at him. “No. I’ve walked by but haven’t been in.”
“Well, you’re going to get the grand tour,” I informed her, stepping onto the elevator when the doors opened wide.
“Really?” She stood directly at my side, her hand settled securely in mine. “I figured you’d sold Delta June’s. My father said you were going to dismantle it.”
Of course he did. Rhett would’ve told her whatever he needed to ensure she hated me. “It was never my intention.”
She didn’t respond to that, but I hadn’t expected her to. Emily believed I had stolen her family’s legacy, and it didn’t surprise me that she thought I’d get rid of it. Rhett had thought I would do the same thing, and for a few months after I’d taken over, he had threatened to take me to court. Nothing ever came of his threats, but I knew there were other reasons for his retreat. Rhett’s days became consumed with his efforts to keep Kitty from leaving him.
It hadn’t worked. In fact, the divorce had been swift, but I suspected that was just one more thing Emily didn’t know about her father.
It also meant that Emily was no longer my stepsister. A fact she didn’t appear to be aware of, which told me just how bad her relationship with her father had gotten.
20
Kieran
“Shall we walk or drive?” I askedwhen we stepped into the bustling lobby.
It was early enough on a Sunday that people were coming and going, scurrying off to meet their weekend plans, coming home from morning mass, a few probably stumbling in after a wicked night out. The doorman was keeping up like a seasoned pro, greeting the familiar faces by name, welcoming anyone he didn’t recognize. And the front desk was enforcing security, ensuring no one was allowed up who didn’t have permission.
“Good morning, Mr. Montgomery,” the doorman greeted with a smile. “Ms. Campbell. Mr. O’Rourke.”
“Good morning, Atticus,” Knox greeted in kind. “How’s the wife?”
“Oh, she’s much better, sir. Thank you so much for the flowers you sent. It made her day.”
“Tell her I said hello.”
“I will, sir. Thank you. Have a wonderful day.”
When we stepped out onto the sidewalk, I noticed Emily was staring up at Knox as though she didn’t recognize him.
“You sent flowers to his wife?”
“She fell and broke her ankle. What was I supposed to do?”
“I’m surprised you even know his name.”
Knox’s eyebrows lowered as he peered down at her. “Why? Do you think you’re the only one with refinement? Did you think that was something Kitty demanded only of you?”
Properly chastised, Emily’s face broke into a smile.
I was a bit shocked by her response, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
“You’re right. I apologize.”
Knox chuckled softly.
“Walk or drive?” I repeated, reminding them there was still a decision to be made.
