Secret Cinderella (The House of Morgan Book 16)

by Victoria Pinder

  Charlotte raced past them to get her RentGlamour.com packages she’d ordered last night. Before Antonio hadn’t called. Before she’d cried. Or worked ten hours on her feet without Jack next to her. That was the worst as she normally shared her bad nights or life stories with him, and he hadn't been there today.

  The box was too bulky to hide. Linda batted her fake eyelashes when she held out her hand in the driveway. “Charlotte, did you order this for me?”

  She held the box firmly in her grip and refused to give in as she said, “No, it’s actually for me.”

  Linda’s face had a hint of red she got when mad. Her friends knew better than to comment on it. “You must be joking.”

  Nancy directed them all inside the dilapidated two-story house that had once been worth millions before her stepmother squandered the money on useless things that didn’t help run a store or keep up the property value. With the repairs needed, they’d be lucky to get half the value. Charlotte stepped over a tossed black heel near the front door. “I’m a Masters. Been one all my life and I’d like to see the House of Morgan up close.”

  Mickey said, “Those aren’t the type of men that will want to work in a store with you, not like your Jack.”

  Why did everyone assume she and Jack… he hadn’t been at work today and the shift had dragged.

  Jack was her spot of sunshine in the day and she’d missed him sorely. He’d have told her why it was okay that Antonio hadn’t called her and what to do next.

  And she’d have listened. Jack usually was right, even if she didn’t tell him so half the time. She hadn’t changed her decision to go as he wasn’t with her to guide her. “Look, this dress is for me and I’m going.”

  Nancy walked over, dark eyes narrowed as she read the brand Nicole Miller on the box. Charlotte’s breath grew short and she trembled as Nancy reached for the package and said, “I’m sure this will look perfect for Linda, and let’s be honest, Charlotte, if you go then there is no one to manage the store.”

  No. Nancy hadn't even seen the dress since Charlotte had chosen it online. This time she would not let Nancy win. She couldn’t. She lifted her chin and moved so the box wasn’t in Nancy’s grip. “I’ve already worked ten hours today. You’ve hired managers.”

  Nancy put her hand on her hip and said, “And fired them.”

  Oh no. This was one of Nancy’s ways to take control. Charlotte understood the maneuvers and saw the warning signs. She’d lose. But the truth was she’d lost last night anyhow, when Antonio hadn’t called. She sniffed the stale air as the air conditioner wasn’t on yet. “When did Talia get fired?”

  Nancy’s stone-black eyes had Charlotte backing up as she said, “Today.”

  Talia was sweet and capable. She was responsible and on time. Firing her would be stupid as she closed the store at ten or eleven depending on the day of the week. Charlotte’s mind raced as she realized that probably hadn’t happened… yet. Nancy was using Talia as a pawn to get Charlotte to give up. “So you’d close the store?”

  Nancy never blinked and the intensity made Charlotte’s body shrink like a child’s. “I thought you’d manage tonight since we’re going out. It’s not like you’ve ever been interested in men other than Jack.”

  Jack was the only guy in the world she needed right now. Antonio had left her with a phone and misery for not following through on that text. But something must have happened to Jack today…she continued to hold her box as she backed into the wall. “Jack’s the only guy who's ever been dependable.”

  Mickey was in the side room that used to be a library but was now used as a dressing area. She was getting her hair and makeup ready but called out, “Were you crying earlier?”

  So she’d seen after all. Charlotte trembled. “Doesn’t matter.”

  Linda’s gaze narrowed like her mother’s as she asked while studying her nails, “Did some… was this because you talked to Antonio yesterday? And now you want to go see him?”

  No. No. No. Her family had never put together anything in her life so why start now? Her heart raced as she quickly said, “Don’t be crazy.”

  Linda stopped focusing on her nails. “You’re the one who needs a clue. Antonio’s in love with Jennifer Gonzales, the movie star.”

  The brown-haired beauty was the “it” girl of fashion and style this year. Everyone considered Jennifer the star of the new millennium and she’d just continue to blossom with age. Charlotte lowered the box and sighed. “She’s beautiful.”

  Linda rolled her eyes. “And she had Antonio’s son. But if you think you have a shot, then this is worse than Dillon Rufuli.”

  There it was. Linda had found a knife to stick in Charlotte’s back. Charlotte felt the sting of tears as she met Nancy’s gaze and said, “I had no idea who he was.”

  Her stepmother came closer like a spider out to get her prey. “He’s not interested in the new manager of my store.”

  Right now she needed Jack’s shoulder. He’d know what to do as she whimpered. “Don’t fire Talia.”

  Nancy’s red nails tapped against her arm as she let out a long, dramatic sigh. “I…”

  “You will to get me to stay home.” Charlotte lowered the box and her head as she hoped to get away from them without trembling. Basically she needed Jack as he was the only good part of her day. She’d looked forward to his advice on being ignored. Maybe the party was a stupid idea and not worth getting Talia fired. “Don’t bother. You’re right. I shouldn’t want to go, but I do need about an hour after my shift to handle something personal.”

  Linda stomped her foot like she had any say. “What do you need to do?”

  Find Jack. Have him with her when she took the phone back to its rightful owner. “I need to return something.”

  Linda shrugged and said, “I’m sure your life emergency will be resolved tomorrow. Just because Jack quit work doesn’t mean he’s leaving town.”

  Quit? Her heart almost stopped. Jack didn’t finish school until next year. Something must have happened. She dropped the box of clothes. “Wait. What?”

  Linda stood next to her mother. “I assumed you were talking about Jack.”

  Charlotte glanced at Nancy for confirmation and her voice was raw when she said, “He… quit… today?”

  Nancy glanced down her slope of a nose and didn’t blink at all. “A few hours ago. I won’t be giving him any recommendation for quitting via email.”

  Charlotte’s mind raced. His phone screen was cracked and he hated not seeing the words he typed for more than a text. And he only emailed his homework with a hassle at the school library. What could have happened? Did he even send those on his phone? Where was he? Her eyes no longer had tears but adrenaline coursed through her as she asked, “Email? He doesn’t have a computer. I need to see him.”

  Linda went for the box. “I’m sure your drama can wait.”

  Charlotte grabbed it fast and held Nancy’s gaze as she said, “I’ll give Linda the clothes I rented, no questions asked, if you let me go see Jack before I go to work.”

  Nancy didn’t budge like she judged what might happen to see if Charlotte interfered with the life plans she had. “And you won’t crash the Morgan party?”

  She bounced the box in her open palm. “I don’t have any clothes to wear if I give these to you.”

  No one blinked and this was clearly a cat and mouse moment so she stilled. Her veins pulsed. She needed to get going, fast. Finally Nancy broke first and said, “Deal. Now hand it over.”

  Good. She plopped the box in Linda’s hand and skidded in her worn sneakers as she hurried toward the front door. “I have to go.”

  And Charlotte, fit from all the work she’d done, could hustle faster than the others so she rushed out of the house and grabbed her old bicycle. The O’Conners house wasn’t too far.

  The leaves that swirled around her from the wind left a chill in the air but that didn’t matter. Jack wouldn’t just disappear on her, would he?

  But as she turned o
nto his street, expecting dark, she saw lights blazing from his house.

  Good. She’d get answers and her peddling slowed. Jack’s car wasn’t in the driveway, but his mother’s was, parked next to a silver Lexus. Unlike her stepmother, Patricia O’Conner worked extremely hard and had raised her five children to depend on each other. Maybe someone was visiting? Charlotte knocked on the door and met Patricia’s kind blue eyes as she tried to catch her breath. “Is Jack here?”

  Patricia opened the door and Jack’s sister was visible in a pretty pink gown while his mother said, “No, but he left clothes for you. Hurry and you can join us to celebrate.”

  The O’Conners had good news. Her shoulders dropped with relief. “You both look amazing.”

  “I’ll text Jack to let him know Charlotte’s here,” Lucy said as Charlotte walked in.

  Jack’s mom squeezed her in a hug. “Tonight’s a big deal. Get dressed. Jack said he was trying to get in touch with you all day but Nancy blocked his calls and he didn’t want to drive over in his new car for her to see.”

  Seriously good news. This was way better than some party on a hill with a guy who never texted or called. Jack looking nice and waiting for her… this was where she wanted to be. She walked with his mother toward Lucy’s room that had been converted from a closet to give Lucy privacy in the crowded house. Patricia showed her a rack of clothes to choose from. Charlotte said, “New car. New clothes. Give me ten minutes. I can’t wait to find out what’s going on with the O’Conners.”

  Lucy’s phone beeped and Charlotte noticed it was a brand new one. It was like the O’Conners had hit the lottery. Maybe that’s what'd happened? Charlotte picked out a blue dress as Lucy told her, “Jack said he’s doing all this for you.”

  Had Jack been the big winner? She tilted her head and stared at Patricia and Lucy. “Done what?”

  His mother came behind her and helped her zip up. “He’ll answer that better than we can, but let’s get your hair and makeup done.”

  The blue dress was way more expensive than anything she’d have ever bought or rented for any social occasion. She twirled and looked at herself in the mirrors embedded on the wall to make it seem bigger. “This is a beautiful dress. I… can’t.”

  Lucy plugged in her hair curler. “You can and you will. Unless you don’t care what our brother has to say to you.”

  Most of her teenage years, Charlotte had wished that she was an O’Conner, not a Masters. Today was why. She widened her stance—this was not about her, but her best friend. “Jack… okay, let’s do this.”

  His mother helped her with makeup and at the end, Patricia handed her a mirror and said, “This is fancier than what you and Jack wore to the prom.”

  Four years ago she’d found a black dress and Jack wore an all-black tux he’d borrowed from his brother. At the time she’d thought the night was fun as she’d actually danced without a care… except Jack hadn’t kissed her.

  They’d only been friends. She met his mother’s gaze and asked as the memory of returning home to Nancy, who’d been cruel about curfew, replayed in her mind. “You remember that?”

  As she glanced in the mirror, she saw Patricia and Lucy’s good work. Simply amazing. The makeup made her eyes emanate light. Patricia said, “I thought you and Jack had done fabulous for prom but now you both get an even better night.”

  Charlotte had kept her word to Nancy. She’d come to see the O’Conners, not snuck off to follow a guy who wasn’t interested in her. If she went with them to their party, she had at least until midnight, as her stepmother and stepsisters were going to the Morgan party.

  Lucy showed her a selection of shoes.

  Heels would be more comfortable than her worn sneakers. And besides, tonight was all about Jack’s good news.

  She picked out a pair of glittering silver heels and slipped them on. They fit as if made for her and as she stood she saw how Lucy and Patricia beamed at her—but said nothing. Charlotte chuckled. “You’re both excellent at keeping a secret, but I’m ready now.”

  The three of them were dressed like going to a ball. But the best part of her day was next. She’d finally get to see the one man in the world she’d always counted on… so she didn’t ask how his mother now drove a Lexus.

  Chapter 7

  Jack adjusted his bowtie because it felt too tight—he hated it but it was part of the tuxedo. His brother Finn had a difference of opinion as he grinned into the mirrors around them. This was reminiscent of the Wall of Mirrors Jack had seen in history books.

  Maybe this room was why he’d been so fascinated with that lesson in class. He had no actual memory of this place, but it was possible mirrors were in his psyche from his toddler years.

  Not that it mattered.

  Adrenaline rushed in his veins because he hadn’t had a chance to explain anything to Charlotte. Who knew what she thought?

  And now he’d have to face the world without her at his side.

  Nancy had stopped him at her house this morning from finding Charlotte. Charlotte had never left the store to take a break.

  He hadn't told Nancy he had money or that he was actually a Morgan.

  Charlotte should have been first—before the press for sure.

  Last night had gone on too long, choosing clothes, and cars, and getting the image of being a Morgan down. Jack was sure she’d been asleep when he was finished transforming.

  His sister’s text that they had Charlotte and were on the way relaxed him until the grandfather clock rang nine times.

  What was taking them so long? Security knew his mother and her new license plate. He squared his shoulders when Antonio patted him on the back. “Jack, are you ready?”

  Max said, “Mom and Lucy aren’t here.”

  Or Charlotte, but if he said her name his brothers would laugh so he sealed his lips.

  Will stated the plan of action Finn and Will had decided on despite Jack’s protests earlier. “We can cushion the shock in the community if we take the brunt of surprise from the press. Antonio promised that Mom, Charlotte, and Lucy will have a safe path inside.”

  This plan was to protect their mother and their baby sister. It was rational. It didn’t allow him to see Charlotte. He followed the other three O’Conner now Morgan men outside onto a veranda designed to host parties during the Gilded Age where the wealthy lived in their own bubble. Jack checked his phone.

  No more messages. Hopefully Charlotte, Lucy, and their mom would get here soon.

  And that Charlotte understood. The past twenty-four hours had gone so fast that he hadn’t had a second to call her as her stepmother blocked the house phone and Antonio’s old number had been turned off. As they passed Antonio, he ignored the twist in his veins to quash the irrational jealousy he had toward him. “Then let’s go.”

  At the top of the grand staircase they paused like debutantes in a Cinderella movie, and two gorgeous women hugged and greeted them. The blonde said, “Hi, I’m Victoria Morgan. This is Caro. I’m your half-sister and Caro is married to one of your half-brothers—she’s the heart of my business venture. Do you like the designs?”

  The clothing line his siblings owned and operated. The banks of their father. Engineering and property and pretty much any venture business he now wanted to start he could with a snap of his fingers.

  These Morgans were used to all of this. He said to the brunette who seemed more like Charlotte in her easy temperament, “Thanks for the clothes.”

  Caro hugged him like they were family. “We’re going to flank you going down so we can answer the press. Let us know if you need anything of us.”

  As lighting effects flashed outside the door, he knew their entrance was a moment away. He asked Caro, “Are you sure our mother and sister will be safer away from the spotlight?”

  She whispered back her question, “Your sister is a teenager, right?”

  Lucy was still in high school. “Yes.”

  “Then let the press talk to the adults. Come,” Caro said
and had him line up.

  Bright lights were revealed as the doors flew open and the six of them, four brothers and two women on either side, were bombarded with cameras in their faces.

  Victoria glided forward, took the first step, and said loud enough for him to hear her on the other side of their line, “Your half-brother Axel is making the announcement now.”

  Smile. Wave. Get through this. He did as directed earlier and Max next to him said, “I can’t believe we’re related to rock stars and movie stars. Today seems unreal.”

  Absolutely true. This wasn’t even a dream, as he’d never wanted to be famous and had avoided being talked about all his life. As they reached the bottom step, a man kissed Caro’s cheek, and she smiled like it was her husband. From his youth, he vaguely remembered his father sending his mother into unusual bouts of emotion that leveled off once they’d packed up and moved into their own home. The man said, “None of us are like our father, so welcome to the House of Morgan. I’m Luke.”

  Luke. Right. Hopefully at some point he’d be able to remember the names of his half-siblings and not willfully ignore the name Morgan like it was some betrayal of his mother’s trust. She’d left their father to protect them and every article he’d ever read only confirmed she’d made the right choice. But that still didn’t mean he’d memorized sixteen half-sibling names or their spouses and children.

  He scanned the sea of faces that were mostly blurred from flashing lights in his eyes. The reception room had been designed for the steel and oil tycoons of another century with wrought iron wrought pillars like an ancient Roman temple. Jack wished Charlotte was here.

  Axel, the singer of Indigo Five, a band he’d heard playing on the radio for years, and a person he'd watched on TV all his life then said, “We called you together tonight to announce that the House of Morgan has found five more of our half-siblings here in Pittsburgh, a city our father frequented when he checked on investments.” The crowd cheered like they’d been included in something huge. Axel waited for the applause to lower and then said, “So we’ll be introducing the adult siblings. This is William Morgan, Finn Morgan, Jack Morgan… not to be confused with John, of course,… and Max Morgan.”