The voice was sharp and cutting, a far cry from the poised and gentle demeanor Eileen had displayed earlier.
Jaycie turned to face her, her expression calm. “Ms. Wise, let’s get one thing straight. I’ve been with him for five years. If anyone’s a mistress, it’s not me.”
She moved to leave, but Eileen wasn’t done. “Five years, and he still hasn’t married you. Ever wonder why? I’m the Wises’ heiress, and he’s the heir to Benson Corp. We’re a perfect match. But you? What do you have? A father who gambles and a sick mother. Your family’s a mess. What could you possibly offer him?”
Jaycie froze. The story about her family was one she’d made up on a whim, but she hadn’t expected Cole to share it with Eileen. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. If her background were truly that bleak, then her so-called boyfriend—the one who claimed to love only her—had handed Eileen yet another weapon to hurt her with.
“You’re right,” Jaycie said, the ache in her heart sharp but fleeting. “I’m not good enough for him. You two are perfect for each other. I hope you’ll be very happy together.”
With that, she walked away.
Not long after, her phone rang. It was her mother, Andrea Stanton.
“Jaycie, you need to come home soon. The whole family’s waiting for you, and we’ve got so many gifts for you! Your father and I bought you a castle overseas. Megan got you a diamond tiara—apparently, it once belonged to the Queen of Angloland. And your uncle filled an entire garage with luxury cars for you…”
As Andrea rambled on about the extravagant gifts awaiting her, Jaycie couldn’t help but laugh. “Mom, I’m coming back to take over the family business, not to bankrupt it.”
Just as she finished speaking, a familiar voice came from behind her.
“What do you mean, ‘take over the family business’?”
