“So it would seem,” he said in agreement. “According to this report, Eleanor bribed her parents’ housekeeper to pretend to be her mother when the application was made for the license. A handwriting expert has verified that the signature on the application is not the same as that on record for Eleanor’s mother.”
“Why would she do such a thing?” Keaton asked, looking totally stunned by the revelation.
“I don’t know for sure, but from what the investigator was able to find out, Honor was only seventeen when she found out she was pregnant with Fletcher. The housekeeper has since passed away, but the investigator talked to her daughter. Apparently the poor woman lived her life in fear of being found out for impersonating her boss. She had a habit of helping herself to Eleanor’s father’s good brandy. Eleanor knew this and threatened to tell her father if the housekeeper didn’t help Eleanor with her plan to marry Douglas before her parents returned from Europe.
“Eleanor believed that if she was already married to Douglas, her parents couldn’t do anything about it, and since she was pregnant they’d have to accept Douglas, too. Seems they’d had greater aspirations for their daughter up until then, which included a Swiss finishing school and the likelihood of a marriage to the son of a family friend, who was a diplomat.”
“Wow, you kind of have to feel sorry for her. She must have been terribly desperate to go to those lengths,” Kristin said with a liberal dose of sympathy.
“According to the housekeeper’s daughter, Eleanor’s parents disowned her on their return from Europe. Her father was a high-ranking naval officer and her mother was from a very wealthy family. On their deaths, their entire estate went to a naval charity. Eleanor got nothing.”
“And from the looks of her claim on Dad’s estate, she’s still trying to make up for that,” Keaton said.
Hector cleared his throat noisily before speaking. “I think the key thing here is that Douglas and Nancy’s marriage is the one that’s valid.”
“Which means that Logan is Dad’s chosen CEO for Richmond Developments,” Kristin added.
“Yes, and that woman and her children have no claim on our company,” Keaton said vehemently.
Logan leaned back in his chair, and Honor was relieved to see the lines of tension that had scored his face over these past few weeks begin to ease.
“So, it’s business as usual?” he asked Hector directly.
“I believe so. I’ll head back to my office and prepare a letter for Eleanor Richmond’s lawyers requesting that she drop all claims to Douglas’s body, and to his business interests here on the West Coast based on the information that Ms. Gould has brought to us. They will no doubt need to verify the information uncovered in the private investigator’s report. The question now arises as to whether you wish to state a claim on your father’s business interests in Virginia.”
“We could do that?” Keaton asked.
Hector shrugged slightly. “Under the terms of your father’s will, you probably could.”
“But more important is, would we want to,” Logan said, playing devil’s advocate. “Do we really want to subject Fletcher, Mathias and Lisa to what we’ve been going through?”
“Absolutely not,” Keaton said vehemently. “When all’s said and done, we’re all family, whether we like it or not.”
Honor watched as Logan looked to his sister.
“I don’t see why we should allow Dad’s actions to victimize us any further, do you?” she asked.
“Then we three are agreed,” he said and directed his attention back to Hector. “Please make it clear to Eleanor and her family that, provided she drops her claims, we will not make any counterclaims against our father’s interests in Virginia. Also inform her that we will proceed with honoring our father’s wishes regarding his interment here in Seattle.”
They all stood, and Hector shook hands with each of the siblings before turning to Honor. “I trust that I can take this copy of the report?”
“Of course,” she said fervently.
Hector nodded and made his goodbyes. Once he was gone, Logan looked at Honor.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice laden with relief. “Without your hard work things could have turned out very different, for all of us. We owe you for that.”
Honor met his gaze and her voice shook as she answered him. “No, I owed you all. I had to do something.”
Logan looked as if he wanted to object but she shook her head slightly and he got the message. He turned to his brother and sister.
“So, now we know this is ours, are you two ready to help me run it?”
“Aren’t we doing that already?” Kristin asked.
“Not the way I was thinking,” Logan continued. “How about we take a good hard look at the company structure? I think it’s time we assumed joint control of Richmond Developments.”
“Are you serious? How on earth will that work?” Keaton asked skeptically.
Logan shrugged. “We’ll figure it out, but most importantly, are you guys on board?”
Both Keaton and Kristin nodded.
“I think we should head over to Mom’s and let her know the news face-to-face. What do you think?” Keaton said.
“That’s a great idea,” Kristin said. “Are you coming, too, Honor? After all, if not for your hard work, we’d still be waiting for the next ax to fall.”
Honor smiled and shook her head. “No, I need to finalize a few things here this afternoon, but I have to say I’m really glad you guys will be working together. I’m sure you’ll have your differences—you’re all such strong-minded individuals—but if you could pull together the way you have since Douglas died, I’m sure you can work through anything. Good luck.”
“Are you sure, Honor? You could come later,” Kristin pressed.
“No, really. I’m really busy, and this is a special time for you all as a family,” Honor insisted.
“Are you coming with us now, Logan?” Keaton asked.
“I just want to say a few words to Honor first. You guys go ahead. I’ll be there soon.”
After they’d gone, Logan looked at Honor. She ached to move forward into his arms. To lay her head on his chest and feel his warmth and hear the strength of his heartbeat. To maybe lift her face to his and kiss him, even if it was just one last time. Because she’d reached a decision today. After delivering the information from the private investigator to the family, she planned to leave, immediately. Staying here was slowly tearing her apart. They might not give her a reference for not working out her full two weeks, but she didn’t care anymore. She just needed to remove herself from a situation that was becoming more painful every day.
She fought back the urge to cry and lifted her chin slightly as she asked, “What was it you wanted to talk to me about?”
“I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate you bringing that information to us.”
“I had to. I owe all of you—your parents, too.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” Logan said.
“Maybe not now, but I did. I nearly ruined your chance to build the family you always wanted. I hope we’re clear now.”
“Hardly. We all owe you.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s my gift to you.”
She started to leave.
“Honor, wait. Don’t go. Please. Let’s work this out.”
“We can’t work it out, Logan. Every time I’m in the same space as you and Keaton I’m driving a wedge between you. I won’t do that to you. You deserve so much more than that.”
And then, using every ounce of control she had in her, she turned on her heels and walked out of his office and out of his life, forever.
Sixteen
The biting cold of January had eased up in February, but it was still darned cold. Back in New Zealand, temperatures were at sweltering levels with hot, stic
ky nights and high levels of humidity. Logan had Skyped with his grandmother, whose fluffy white hair had been blown sideways by the large fan oscillating next to her. He’d offered to put air-conditioning in her house on more than one occasion, but she’d insisted she was fine. He missed her. He missed all of them, and he’d scheduled a trip home in April.
But there was one person he missed more than everyone else altogether.
Honor.
He’d been shocked when he’d discovered she’d cleared out her office after delivering the report that had seen Eleanor Richmond pull back on her claims against Douglas’s estate. Fletcher, Mathias and Lisa had traveled to Douglas’s interment ceremony, and all six of his children were working toward establishing a stronger connection. So, instead of discovering his lost family, Logan had discovered two. But that side of things apart, there was still a yawning hole in Logan’s life where Honor belonged.
“You’re daydreaming again, Logan,” Keaton said from across the meeting room table. “Care to share your thoughts?”
The two men had been discussing their roles and responsibilities under the new regime that had been approved by the board. And so far at least, there’d been no head-to-head disagreements.
“Sorry, Keaton. Look, maybe we can take a break for ten minutes.”
Keaton pushed his chair back from the table. “Good idea. Let’s go grab a coffee at the place downstairs. We could both do with the change in scenery.”
After ordering their identical coffees, one of many things they’d discovered they had in common, Keaton led the way to a small table by the window. Once they were seated, he pinned Logan with a stare.
“What?” Logan said. “You’re starting to creep me out, brother.”
“Something’s wrong. You’re different.”
“I thought we were still getting to know one another. How can I be different?”
Keaton shook his head. “No, don’t try to hedge with me. You’re as on point in the office as you’ve been right from the start, but something’s missing inside you. It’s Honor, isn’t it?”
Logan felt his defenses shoot up. “I’m not seeing her, if that’s what you’re getting at.”
The girl at the counter called out his name, and he rose to collect their order before sitting back down again.
“Actually, no. That wasn’t what I was getting at,” Keaton said as they put sugar in their black coffees and stirred in synchronization. “Do you love her?”
“Keaton, don’t do this. You know I wouldn’t do anything to destroy our relationship as brothers.”
The bond between them was growing stronger but Logan doubted that it would survive him striking up again with Keaton’s ex-fiancée. That definitely went against the guy code, and he’d already overstepped that mark. As much as he wanted to, he wasn’t about to put his feelings for Honor ahead of the fragile bond that was growing between him and Keaton.
“We’re doing okay,” Keaton admitted. “I have to say I didn’t want to like you, but I do. Although it still feels weird seeing myself every time I look at you.”
“Same.” Logan took a sip of his coffee. “Shall we head back and finish our business?”
“Hang on. I’m not done. I’m worried about you.”
Logan spread his hands and shrugged. “Nothing to worry about.”
“You’re not happy,” Keaton pressed. “If Honor will make you happy, I think you need to pursue that.”
Logan just looked at his brother. A part of him wanted to agree, but navigating this new family was a minefield, and he wasn’t about to have anything blow up in his face.
“You’d be okay with that? You two were engaged to be married, remember?”
Keaton pushed a hand through his hair and sighed. “Yeah, yeah. I know. It was the right thing to do, y’know? Get engaged. Plan for the future. But when I look back on it, there was no fire, no real spark. Sure, she’s a fine-looking woman with a sharp mind and a depth of compassion you don’t see in everyone. But we fell into our engagement because of proximity and a brief mutual attraction. We couldn’t maintain that spark. If we had, she’d have known instantly when she saw you that you weren’t me.
“And yeah, we probably would have made marriage work because we’re equally stubborn and focused on success, and we would have continued to put Richmond Developments’ needs before our own. But you know what? There’s more to life than that and I’m only just beginning to understand that now. I think that if you still have feelings for Honor, you should do something about them. Bring her back and love her as she deserves to be loved.”
Logan looked at his brother and could see the sincerity in his eyes. And inch by inch, Logan felt the ice encasing his heart slowly begin to thaw.
“You’re sure about that?”
“Look, if you can handle that I saw her first, then we can get through this. It’s what true family is about, right? Being there for one another. Supporting each other. Living in truth.”
“Living in truth. Yeah, I like the sound of that.”
Logan looked at his watch. Meeting be damned. He was going to find Honor right now. He downed his coffee and rose from his seat.
“Hey, I’m not finished yet,” Keaton protested. “And we have a meeting to wind up, remember?”
“Later,” Logan said. “Some things can’t wait.”
* * *
He was never as grateful for his perfect resemblance to Keaton as he was when the concierge waved him through to the elevators in Honor’s apartment building. She was quick to open the door but wasn’t looking as she spoke.
“Hi, Marcus, if you could put those cartons over there, that would be great. Thanks.” And then she looked at Logan. “Oh.”
Logan looked past her to the chaos of her living room. It was half-full of packing boxes, and all her furniture was pushed to one side.
“Moving?” Logan asked as he stepped inside without waiting for her invitation.
“I’d offer you a place to sit, but as you can see I’m a little busy right now.”
“You’re leaving?” he repeated.
“Yes.” She pushed her hair off her face and left a smudge of dust on her cheek. “I haven’t found a job yet and I can’t continue to stay here. I need to get farther out of the city to where I can afford the rent.”
Logan was surprised. She’d been earning a high salary at Richmond Developments, and if her surroundings were any indicator, she lived well within her budget. Surely she had money socked away for a rainy day?
“You got a gambling problem I don’t know about?” he asked, half joking.
“What? Oh—” She gave a short laugh. “No. But I pay for my mother’s care. There’s not a lot left over at the end of month.”
“That’s hard.”
“Yes, it is.”
Her short and simple response gave Logan the tiniest insight into what it might have been like for Honor growing up.
“Anyway,” Honor continued. “What are you doing here?”
There was another knock at the door.
“That’ll be Marcus with my boxes. You may as well make yourself useful and tape them for me while you’re here. If you’re staying awhile, that is.”
“Sure.” Logan opened the apartment door and took the new stack of boxes being delivered. “Where do you want these?”
She gestured down the hall. “My bedroom. I’m about to start in there.”
He went into her room and sat on the bed.
“Hey, no slacking,” she chided softly as she followed him.
“Honor, don’t go.”
“Um, did you not get the memo? I can’t afford to stay here.”
“No, I mean, don’t go. Don’t leave Seattle—don’t leave me. Please.”
She looked shocked. “You know why I can’t stay, and it’s not just the money.”
; Logan stood up and clasped her hands in his. “But what about this?” he said. “You feel it, don’t you? This burning awareness. The thing you didn’t know you needed until we met, until we touched? That’s what I feel every time we make contact, whether deliberately, like this, or just brushing your arm in a corridor. Honor, Please. Don’t go.”
“Keaton—”
“Has nothing to do with this. This is about us. You and me and what we mean to each other. I know it’s only been a couple of months, but I feel you inside me like I’ve never felt anyone else ever before. I can’t start my day without thinking about you, and you’re the last thought on my mind when I fall asleep at night, too. I want you. Not just sexually, although that was bloody great.” He gave her a bittersweet half smile. “But I want you in my life. I want to know what makes you tick. What makes you mad. What makes you laugh until you cry.”
“You know we can’t do anything. Your family—”
“Will be thrilled to have you among us. We missed you at Douglas’s interment.”
“I couldn’t... I just couldn’t bear to say goodbye. To him or to any of you all over again.”
“Sneaking away from the office the way you did was kind of cruel. You didn’t give anyone the chance to say goodbye to you, either. And not returning calls? Harsh. But most of all, you didn’t give me the chance to tell you how much you mean to me.”
“Don’t, please.” She pulled free, and tears filled her eyes. “Just go. I can’t do this with you. We can’t be together. You stand to lose everything that means so much to you.”
“You’re not listening to me. You mean everything to me. Keaton and I have talked, properly, like actual brothers. He admitted to me that you two fell into your engagement, that there was no grand passion. He told me you deserve better than that. He told me to come after you if I loved you. And I do. I love you, Honor Gould. I want to build a future with you. A family with you, if you’ll let me.”
Honor sank down onto the bed. “You say that, but you don’t know me. You don’t know where I’ve come from. Who I really am. I’ve never had much, y’know? When I was little, my father cheated on my mom, and then she cheated on him in retaliation. They fought about it all the time, and then one day he left us and never came back. But even through all the fights and the cheating, she loved him. So much that she couldn’t function without him. I didn’t want to be like that. I didn’t want to be so weak that I couldn’t live without the person I thought I loved. She couldn’t even look after me. Most of the time we had no food in the house and lived on handouts. She turned to men and booze and then drugs, in that order, just to get through a day.
Seducing the Lost Heir Page 16