Miss White and the Seventh Heir

by Jennifer Faye

  “It couldn’t have been easy for either of you.”

  “His relationship with Elsa could only be described as a whirlwind romance. At first, Elsa was friendly. It wasn’t until much later that I realized it was all a show—at least where I was concerned. I never figured out if she cared about my father or if he only constituted a ticket to a better life. I hope she truly loved him because he must have loved her.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Because growing up, he used to take me to the office of White Publishing and he’d tell me that one day it would be all mine. He said it was my legacy. And then when he unexpectedly died of a heart attack, the will was read and the company and house...” She paused as though to rein in her emotions. “It all went to Elsa. I was gutted. I... I felt so betrayed.”

  “How old were you?”

  “I was sixteen. I went from private schools to public. I lost all my friends. And when I wasn’t in school, I was cleaning the house. Elsa got rid of the staff, saying that we had to tighten the purse strings as the business was in trouble.” Sage turned to him with sadness reflected in her eyes. “You don’t want to hear all of this.”

  “I do, if you want me to.”

  “For my eighteenth birthday, Elsa kicked me out. At the time, my shares of White Publishing were worth pennies per share. Not having a cent to my name, I was forced to sell her my shares in order to eat. To this day, I regret that decision. When I signed those shares over, I handed over any right to my legacy. But at the time, I was so young and scared. I didn’t know how to take care of myself. I learned really fast.”

  “I wish I had known you then.”

  “Why?” She eyed him suspiciously. “Would you have ridden up on your white horse to save me?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t ride horses, but maybe a white car.”

  She didn’t laugh at his attempt to lighten the mood. “I didn’t need someone to save me. I needed to save myself. I needed to learn that even without my father’s money, I would be all right. I learned a lot about myself in those years.”

  “But you shouldn’t have had to.”

  Sage turned to face the sea. “Maybe I did. I’ll be the first to admit that my father spoiled me. I had no idea how much so until I had to feed myself and put a roof over my head. In that manner, Elsa did me a favor.”

  “Don’t go giving that woman any compliments. She’s pure evil.”

  “Maybe. But I learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought. I worked for a maid service throughout college. With a full-time job, it took me five years to earn my degree, including taking summer classes. It wasn’t easy, but I did it. Now, I won’t give up until I have White Publishing back.”

  He had a feeling that his smiling, beautiful boss was plotting something and it worried him. He’d heard Elsa was not a person to be crossed. “Sage, what are you up to?”

  She shook her head. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. Everything is going according to plan. By the way, I just landed an exclusive interview with Starr. Isn’t that great?”

  “Yes, but don’t underestimate Elsa.”

  Sage’s eyes widened. “How do you know about my stepmother?”

  “Everyone has heard the rumors of Elsa White. She’s notorious in the business and not in a good way.” He stared deep into Sage’s eyes, imploring her to heed his warning. He’d dealt with his own share of powerful enemies. “Just keep your eyes open.”

  “Trey?” a male voice called out behind him. “Trey? Is that you?”

  With the greatest regret, he pulled back from Sage. He knew by coming to the festival that he would likely run into someone he knew. But with his quiet social calendar, he didn’t think there would be many people that would recognize him.

  He mouthed, I’m sorry, to Sage.

  Her normally bright eyes dimmed. “I... I need to get back to the festival and circulate.” She glanced over his shoulder at the person approaching. “Don’t rush on my account.”

  He turned to find his childhood friend. They’d been roommates one year at boarding school, but then Sam had moved away. Trey had always wondered what had happened to him.

  “I thought that was you.” Sam strode up to him all smiles, just as Trey remembered him.

  “It’s good to see you.”

  They started with a handshake that ended up in a hug and a clap on the back.

  Trey pulled back. His gaze quickly scanned the crowd, searching for Sage, but she was nowhere to be found. He really needed to straighten things out with her.

  “So what has you here?” Sam asked.

  “Work.”

  Sam glanced at his press badge. “You decided to work for your father?”

  It had been no secret in school that no love was lost between him and his father. When family days rolled around, he was the only one who had no family show up. His father was too involved with his precious magazine and his mother never felt up to traveling. As far back as he could remember, his mother never felt well.

  “Something like that.” Anxious to turn the conversation away from himself, Trey said, “How about you?”

  “I’m producing films.”

  Trey thought back in time. “You always did have a flair for acting.”

  “Yeah. But it appears that I’m better behind the scenes.”

  Trey thought of how he’d turned into an actor with Sage. It had all seemed innocent enough in the beginning. But now that he’d gotten to know her—to kiss her—it all felt wrong.

  When he confessed that he was out to destroy the magazine she’d been working so hard to rebuild, she would hate him. But was he at a point where he could just let go of the revenge that he’d been plotting against his father since he was in boarding school?

  CHAPTER TEN

  THE DEEPEST, DARKEST night had settled upon Cannes.

  Elsa stood on the balcony of her deluxe suite enjoying the inky blackness. She lifted her second glass of cognac to her lips and took a healthy sip. The heady liquid hit the back of her throat and burned as it went down. She smiled.

  So far her time in Cannes had been utterly boring—well, there was that run-in with Sage. That had been slightly amusing. It would have been more fun if the girl had grown a backbone.

  Elsa recalled how Sage had always thought the world was made of rainbows and butterflies. Elsa expelled a frustrated sigh. Whoever thought a kind word or smile could open doors? Only Sage. That foolish, foolish girl.

  Knock. Knock.

  She moved to the door. Her long, silk robe fluttered around her legs as she crossed the room. Elsa yanked the door open to find Mr. Hunter standing there in a dark suit. The top buttons of his shirt were undone, giving her a glimpse of his chest. Not bad. Not bad at all. His hair had been cut and styled. He really was rather handsome.

  Why hadn’t she noticed this before? Perhaps the alcohol was skewing her perception or maybe she’d never been so bored and anxious for something to amuse her. Yes, Mr. Hunter just might serve a dual purpose this evening.

  But first, they had to get business out of the way.

  “What have you learned about my stepdaughter? Has she heeded my warning? Is she leaving?”

  “No. She’s still here. And I have learned something very interesting.”

  The way he said the words sparked Elsa’s interest. “Is it something I can use against her?”

  “I think it is.”

  Elsa smiled. This man was getting more attractive by the moment. “Come here and sit with me on the couch.” She sat down and patted a spot next to her. Once he was seated, she leaned in close to him and inhaled his spicy aftershave. Mmm... He smelled divine. Tonight was definitely looking up. She traced a manicured nail over the slight stubble on his cheek, down his neck and then played with the few hairs on his chest—his very firm chest. “What delicious information have you uncover
ed?”

  Hunter cleared his throat. “Well, it appears her assistant isn’t actually her assistant after all. But I don’t think she knows it. In fact, I’m certain she doesn’t.”

  Elsa undid a button on his shirt. “If you make this good, I promise you’ll receive a bonus you’ll never forget.”

  Hunter’s dark eyes met hers. There was the fire of desire burning in them, which only excited Elsa more. She loved when she could control people, whether it was in the office or in bed.

  She leaned forward, pressing her lips to his. There was no gentle foreplay. There was hunger. Need. And lust. And he was going to do just fine for scratching her itch.

  She pulled back. “Now explain your cryptic remark. Her assistant isn’t really her assistant. How is that possible?”

  “For some reason that I don’t understand, the man acting as Sage’s assistant is really Quentin Thomas Rousseau III.”

  Elsa leaned back on the couch. Her mind was racing a mile a minute. “And you say Sage doesn’t know his true identity?”

  Hunter shook his head. “Not as far as I can tell.”

  “Very interesting.” So what was the young Rousseau up to? Was he going to be an asset to her plans? Or had he fallen under Sage’s spell like so many men before him?

  “I need all the information you can find about the young Rousseau. Is there anything else I should know about?”

  “Actually, Sage just landed a most sought after interview with Starr.”

  This news darkened Elsa’s mood. She got to her feet and moved to the drink cart to refill her cognac. She took a mouthful of the fiery liquid and swallowed. Her gaze lifted to the mirror that hung over the drink cart. Elsa stared at her beautiful image. Usually it made her feel better, but not tonight. As she smoothed an errant strand of hair behind her ear, she couldn’t help but think of her stepdaughter. Maybe the girl had grown more of a backbone than she’d originally thought.

  “This interview, will it help her magazine?”

  Hunter nodded. “Definitely. From what I gather, it should be a cover spot.”

  Still holding the glass of cognac, Elsa’s hand tightened around the crystal glass. How dare that worthless girl try and beat her in her own arena. Elsa was the queen of publishing. There was no room for Sage.

  Elsa caught her image in the mirror. For a moment, she looked older—second best. Anger pumped through her veins.

  Elsa turned to Hunter. “I want you to set up an appointment with the actress before her interview with Sage. I don’t care what she has planned. Tell her to cancel it.”

  Hunter’s dark eyes widened as though to complain about not being her secretary. But as though he sensed the danger in disagreeing with her at that moment, he said, “I will go take care of it now.”

  “Not yet.” She strode toward him in her stilettos. “I have something else in mind for you.”

  She had to do something with all of her pent-up energy or she would explode. When she reached him, she placed a hand behind his head and pulled him down to her lips.

  And tomorrow—tomorrow I will deal with Sage. She will not win. Never!

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THREE DAYS OF being brushed off by celebrities.

  But today would be different.

  Sage had the feeling everything was about to change and she chose to believe it was going to be in a good way. She might not have gotten much sleep after attending a party until the wee hours of the morning, but she felt as though she could conquer the world.

  And then there was Trey. Try as she might to forget the kiss and his reaction, it was there with her every day, lurking in the shadows of her mind. But there had been no mention of it and things were getting back to normal.

  It was best that she centered her thoughts on work. It always brought her comfort. Tomorrow was her big interview with Starr. She’d already arranged to have the photographer meet them. And just so she didn’t miss anything in her notes, she was going to have Trey record the session. It was all going to work out and this interview was just the beginning. Today she hoped to secure another interview. It was the only way to keep the magazine alive.

  She was due for some good luck. Taking a positive attitude, she was singing a tune as she came down the stairs at the château. Not finding Trey inside, she made her way to the veranda. Trey was sitting there reading something on his phone while drinking a cup of coffee.

  As soon as he saw her, he put his phone down. “Did I just hear you sing ‘Heigh-Ho’?”

  She couldn’t help but smile. “You must be hearing things.”

  He sent a disbelieving look. “I know what I heard.”

  Trying to change the subject, she asked, “Are you ready to set off to work?”

  He gave her another funny look. “I am.”

  She couldn’t help but notice how dashing he looked in a pair of dark slacks and a white dress shirt with the top buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up. It was then that she noticed his watch. It was a designer watch. She’d noticed it before and assumed that it was a knockoff. A very good knockoff.

  Trey got to his feet and rounded the table to pull a chair out for her. “But you’re not. I’ll just have Maria bring out your breakfast.”

  She was about to protest, but then reconsidered. Perhaps a bite to eat before the interview would be helpful. “Thanks.”

  “No problem.”

  In just a couple of minutes, he returned with an apple in his hand.

  “Is that all you’re eating?” She hated the thought of Maria going out of her way to cook for just her.

  “Relax. I already ate.”

  “Oh.” She eyed up the bright red apple. “You must really like apples. You seem to always have one on hand.”

  “They’re a sweet snack and travel easy. You should try them.”

  “I eat apples.”

  He arched a disbelieving brow.

  “Okay, not very often. Since when have you come to know my habits so well?”

  “Since we’ve been working practically nonstop to get the magazine turned around.”

  Just then Maria came onto the veranda with a covered dish and a large glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. As Sage ate the delicious food, she realized that staying here at the château reminded her a lot of her childhood. There had been glamorous travels to the farthest ends of the earth and her spacious childhood home had been complete with a full staff that were more like family than hired help. But most of all, she’d been able to relax and enjoy herself.

  “What are you thinking about?” Trey asked once Maria departed.

  Why not be honest with him? No matter what she wanted to tell herself, they were much more than coworkers. Friends? Possibly. But somehow it felt like more. She knew that reading anything into their relationship was dangerous. For all she knew Elsa could have planted Trey in her life. It wouldn’t be the first time that her stepmother had done such a despicable thing. But there was something about Trey—a genuineness that made her want to trust him with her deepest and most profound secrets.

  She set aside her fork. “I was thinking that I haven’t been this relaxed since...since before my father married Elsa.”

  Trey didn’t say anything. Instead he settled back in his chair as though letting her open up to him at her own pace.

  She averted her gaze out to the sea. “After my father’s marriage to Elsa, the changes to the household didn’t happen all at once. In fact, in the beginning Elsa couldn’t have been nicer and Father had been so happy. All those years of loneliness were behind him. But when my father traveled for business, Elsa started to change. Things in my room started to disappear.”

  “She stole from you?” Trey’s expression was one of astonishment.

  “When I called her out on it, she was all apologetic. She claimed there was a charity drive and she didn’t think I would mind
donating a few items to the underprivileged. Of course, looking back now I realize this was all for my father’s benefit. She was so cunning and devious that, in the end, she had me feeling guilty for wanting my possessions back—including the last gift from my mother—a porcelain doll.”

  Trey’s expression hardened. “Is it all right if I hate your stepmother on your behalf?”

  Sage shrugged. “I struggle with that emotion every time the woman interferes in my life, which was quite often over the years. But to hate her would consume me and hurt me, not her. Instead I feel bad for her that she is such a miserable, spiteful person.”

  Trey’s mouth gaped slightly. “You feel sorry for her?”

  Sage nodded. “Not like I want to help her or anything. I still think she has a lot to answer for, but sorry as in I’m grateful I can see the good in life, unlike her, and I’m not consumed with revenge or whatever drives her.”

  Trey leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. He reached out and placed his hand on hers. His thumb gently stroked the back of her hand, sending goose bumps racing up her arms and setting her heart aflutter.

  His voice was low and gravelly when he said, “Have I ever told you how amazing I find you?”

  Right now, with him touching her, she was having problems stringing words together. “Me?”

  “Yes, you. It seems like no matter what life throws at you, you find a way to keep going—to keep smiling.”

  Just then she smiled. She didn’t mean to. It just happened. And then her gaze caught his and her heart vaulted into the back of her throat. If there hadn’t been a table between them, she was certain she would have thrown herself into his arms.

  And how would Trey react? Would he push her away? Or would he draw her close. With his hand on hers, her signals were getting confused.

  “Sage, there’s something we need to talk about.”

  “Is it about the interview?”