Page 64 of Threaded Lies

“In addition to asking for some clarification on Gran’s will, I’d also like to chat about prenups, so clearly time is of the essence.”

His head startles at those words. “You’re serious.”

“Of course I am. I’d think that would be a smart move for anyone in either of our positions.”

“Well, um … normally I’d say yes, but in this instance, I don’t think that’s necessary.”

The plan is for me to inherit $30 million in the next two years, and he doesn’t think it’s necessary to safeguard that?

No lawyer in their right mind would think otherwise. Now I know I really need to question him further on Gran’s will.

“Right.” My smile is insincere at best. “I’m hoping we can get together sooner rather than later so I can clear up a few concerns I have.”

He pauses as he looks at me, his head to the side and his glasses slipping low on the bridge of his nose. “Of course.”

“Henry Williams. Stop badgering our girl.”

I stiffen at the sound of my mom’s voice while noticing his awkward smile in response.

“I’m not badgering in the least.” He holds his hands up in surrender. “But I do need to excuse myself. I have plans I’m running late for.”

“Of course.” My mom squeezes his arm in affection while emitting that laugh those closest to her know is fake. “You just have the best time, won’t you?”

“Rowan.” He nods his head.

She reaches out to toy with my hair and says absently, “So glad you went back to blond.”

I smile, knowing what comes next. The same thing I’ve been avoiding all night.

Three.

Two.

One.

“Rowan. This new co-CEO job. You simply can’t accept it,” my mom says as soon as Henry is far enough away.

“And why not?”

“Well, for one, you’re screwing your brother over. You’re stepping in his light when we women need to stay in their shadows.”

“Their shadows? Whose would those be?” I’ve had a few cocktails, and my tongue is a tad looser than it normally is.

“Men, honey. We’re supposed to stay in their shadows and let them have their time to shine.”

I snort loud enough to draw attention. “Oh, and here I thought you might actually be excited over the fact that both of your kids have somewhat of an equal stake in our family company. Strange. Not sure why I thought you might actually be happy for me.”

“We are happy for you,” she says and waves a hand. “You know this town. They cast more judgment than a Supreme Court justice.”

I glance over to the bar and long for another drink. Anything to help me survive the rest of this outing.

“What I’m trying to say is you can’t work at TinSpirits and be married to a man of Chadwick Williams’s stature. One, a corporate job is no place for a woman with matronly duties to fulfill, and two, it’s rather emasculating to your brother to share CEO responsibilities with his little sister. He’s running for city council, for Pete’s sake. We can’t have the citizens of this town thinking he can’t handle important tasks such as keeping this gigantic company afloat.”

“Exactly. He’s running for city council. A job that deserves his undivided attention to do the most for Westmore, so it only seems reasonable to have me in this new role. I pick up the slack at TinSpirits so he can focus on the reason he’s running—to ensure the citizens are taken care of.” I allow my voice to rise in pitch so the nosy members around us can hear what I’ve said, and by the widening of my mom’s eyes, she knows exactly what I’ve done.

How can she refute me when I’m looking at the best thing for our town?

She flusters—eyes wide and head bobbing—her own voice loud when she replies, “Of course. Yes. He’s doing this for the people of Westmore. Growing our family business to ensure local jobs and to make sure his suppliers remain profitable. All for the people.”