Diego slammed his fist onto the desktop. The chair toppled as he hefted his body from it and glowered at his only son. “You’re such a worthless piece of crap. You will listen, and you’ll listen well.”
Henry’s nostrils flared, the jab cutting him like a knife. But he wouldn’t back down. Not anymore.
“All you needed to do was put those good looks of yours to use. How difficult is it to screw the bitch! We need Helen Carrington’s influence to secure a fucking building permit!” Diego spat.
“You’d pimp your own son out to seal a deal, and you accuse me of failing you?” Henry growled.
His father sneered, his blotchy face reddening. “It was the only way I’d ever possibly get a return on my investment. You owe me. Now, I demand you make your way to Helen Carrington’s residence and convince her to spread her legs. Fuck her brains out until she’s putty in your hands, dammit.”
“I owe you nothing, old man.” Henry fisted his palm; it took all his will not to punch the bastard. The thought of making love to anyone but Victoria sickened him. “You’re a twisted son of a bitch. Take your fucking real-estate developer position and shove it up your fat ass,” Henry bellowed, storming for the door.
“Thank God your mother didn’t live long enough to witness the filth she gave up her life for. If I had any idea what a spineless pussy you’d be, I would have made her abort you.”
Henry froze. He closed his eyes, Diego’s hostile blow nearly derailing him. Patrice had once told him that his parents had been genuinely in love when they married. When they’d learned they’d conceived, they’d been elated, but it had been short-lived. When Henry’s mother began to suffer from complications during her pregnancy, Diego began to resent his unborn child. Diego never forgave him for his mother’s frailty after giving birth. His hatred for his only son grew so strong that he sent Henry away to boarding school.
“I must admit, learning of Isobel’s death did offer some redemption,” Diego puffed, stomping across the room. He picked up a decanter off a table near the fireplace, poured a glass of cognac, and began to pace by the fire. “It only seemed fair to exchange one life for another.”
Henry’s eyes flew open, a chill running down the base of his spine. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Do you really believe that your precious Isobel was murdered by chance?” Diego’s chuckle rapidly turned into malicious laughter. “Honestly, Henrique, you are so gullible.”
“I don’t know what type of sick, perverted game you’re playing right now, old man, but I’m done listening to this shit. You’re not fucking good enough to even say Isobel’s name,” Henry snarled and bolted for the door.
“Your poor judgment led to her demise. You might as well have killed her yourself.”
Henry spun on his heel, lunging forward. He seized Diego by the neck, squeezing the rolls of dense flesh that overflowed from his father’s dress shirt. The glass of cognac shattered onto the carpet. Face contorted, Diego kicked frantically at Henry’s legs, his chubby fingers fighting to free himself from Henry’s clutches.
I’m not a murderer, Henry thought as he reluctantly released his grasp from around his father’s neck. Purple-faced and gasping for air, Diego crumbled to his knees. I’m none of those despicable things my father claimed I was, Henry told himself, glaring at his father’s pathetic form. He’s baiting me, trying to provoke me into becoming unhinged.
Coughing and gasping for breath, Diego shot Henry an icy stare. “Get the fuck out of here, you disgusting piece of shit.”
Henry stepped over his father’s writhing body, feeling nothing for the man who sired him. Numb and exhausted, he didn’t look back as he strode from the room.
Chapter 23
Victoria
Incessant chatter filtered into the congested hallway. Unable to think straight, Victoria wearily entered the oversized meeting room reserved for the city council meeting. For weeks, she’d dreaded this moment, replaying various scenarios in her mind, and still, she wasn’t ready.
“Vicki, over here.”
Relief flooded through her as she spotted Jennifer waving her hand in the air. Fighting her way through the overcrowded room, she tried to ignore the hushed whispers and the looks of pity focused on her. Steps labored as if she were approaching the guillotine, she forged ahead toward the empty seat beside Jennifer.
Concern etched across Jennifer’s face as she removed her purse from the vacant chair. “Are you all right?”
Victoria took a deep breath. “No,” she answered truthfully.
Jennifer wrapped one arm around Victoria’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “They’re not going to take us down without a fight.”
A middle-aged man sporting a handlebar mustache walked to the podium and struck the gavel. Leering around the room, he dabbed a white handkerchief to his bulbous nose and waited for the crowd to settle down. As the attendees hustled to their seats, he picked up the gavel and struck the podium five more exuberant times.
“I hope no one loses an eyeball when that button pops off his jacket,” Jennifer whispered.
Victoria’s lips curved up into a halfhearted smile. “It’s a bit snug, isn’t it?”
“A bit? Now there is an understatement.” Jennifer smirked, obviously attempting to use humor to ease the tension. She patted Victoria on the knee. “By the way, Henrique Santana just walked in.”
Victoria swiveled her head toward the doorway, her eyes locking on Henry as he walked through the archway. “I hate this,” she whispered, folding and unfolding her hands on her lap.
Stone-faced, Henry trudged up three steps and onto the stage. Helen Carrington gestured to the empty fold-out chair next to her. Cradle robber. Victoria fumed, her focus locked on Henry as he lowered onto the proffered seat. Flirt with someone your own age. Victoria scowled, feeling as if she could breathe out fire, as Helen leaned in to whisper something into Henry’s ear.
“That’s weird,” Jennifer said.
“What?” Victoria asked absently.
“Henrique Santana didn’t even acknowledge his father when he walked on stage. He completely snubbed him.”
“Strange,” Victoria managed to answer, distracted by the sex-craved, middle-aged woman fawning over Henry.
“I knew it,” Jennifer said, rotating her torso to glare directly at Victoria. “You’ve still got a thing for that creep.”
“Shh,” Victoria said, pretending to be interested in what the man with the handlebar mustache was saying about the necessity of open land.
“Don’t shush me,” Jennifer hissed.
Just then, Henry was summoned to the podium, putting a stop to Jennifer’s probing. Concern enveloped Victoria as she noticed the dark circles shadowing his eyes. As always, Henry was dressed impeccably, but he looked exhausted.
“Good evening.” Henry’s deep voice echoed through the microphone. “I want to extend my gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you tonight before Santana Construction’s proposal to build a resort where many of those present currently run businesses.”
Loud boo’s along with several expletives erupted from many of the men and women who filled the room.
“I thought he was responsible for the proposal,” Jennifer whispered.
“I did, too,” Victoria answered.
“When I was offered the position to represent Santana Construction in their pursuit of a land acquisition along the waterfront, I had no idea how enthralled I would become with the community,” Henry said, ignoring the heckler who continued to shout. “Newport is a special place. Its rich heritage, bountiful seashore, and loyal community are truly like no other. It’s rather addictive.” Henry’s deep sapphire eyes roamed over the crowd before they landed on Victoria, a slight smile curving his lips.
A murmur wafted through the crowd; several curious glances shot speculatively in Victoria’s direction.
Henry cleared his throat, drawing the unwanted attention back to him. “That being said, I’ll w
rap this up quickly. As of 8:00 a.m. yesterday morning, I’ve resigned from Santana Construction.”
A collective gasp resounded from the audience.
“No fucking way,” Jennifer blurted.
Victoria’s hand flew to her mouth, her heart rate accelerating. What was Henry thinking? He’d come to Newport to prove himself, and now, he’d thrown it all away. For her?
“What the hell is he doing!” Diego shouted, jolting out of his seat. “It’s my company and I will speak on its behalf.”
Helen Carrington placed one manicured hand on Diego’s arm as if to pacify him.
Diego bounded forward and attempted to rip the microphone away from Henry. A series of loud pops and cracks filtered through the amplifier before Henry easily won the battle. With one final tug, he released the microphone from the podium, nearly hitting Diego across the face as he cupped its silver handle above the older man’s head.
“My father, as you can tell—” Henry shot a menacing look at his father and then placed his hand over the microphone. Under his breath, Henry warned Diego between clenched teeth, “If you don’t sit your fucking ass down, I won’t hesitate to place you there myself. In fact, it’ll be my pleasure to reveal to the community what an underhanded, conniving son of a bitch you are, old man.”
“You’re cut off. I’m calling my lawyer. Not another cent will you get from me. As far as I’m concerned, you’re dead to me.” Diego sneered.
Mouth agape, Victoria watched the heated exchange. Although their words were muffled, the crowd could hear everything. Her stomach roiled. Victoria knew Henry would be beyond furious that every ugly word had been amplified throughout the room.
The audience erupted into chaos. In an apparent standoff, Henry loomed over his father while each of them glared at each other. “Get the fuck out of my way,” Diego eventually spat, pushing past Henry to stomp off the stage.
Eyes downturned, Henry’s shoulders rose and then quickly fell, taking in an apparent deep breath. Victoria’s chest squeezed, her heart breaking for him. She wanted to storm the stage and hug him to her breast. Instead, she remained stoic as he glanced out in the audience, his eyes briefly landing on her. A movie-star smile pasted on his face, Henry resumed his speech. “As I was saying, my father was quite disappointed by my decision. However, due to recent developments, it is in Santana Construction’s best interests to build a five-star resort elsewhere.”
The room hummed with excitement. Accusations flew from the crowd—many people openly speculating about her relationship with Henry, while others gossiped about the apparent feud between Henry and Diego.
“I’m certain within the next few months, you’ll be hearing more about Santana Construction’s projected future. In the meantime, I’d like to thank you all for coming here tonight. And now, it’s my pleasure to turn the stage over to my friend and new business partner, Ms. Helen Carrington.”
Anger simmered in Victoria’s veins. Business partner? That woman would stop at nothing to sink her claws into Henry.
Jennifer gaped at Victoria, and for once in her life, sat wordlessly beside her.
The audience buzzed even louder, their voices booming to an all-time high.
Her eyes trained on the stage, Victoria glared at Helen Carrington. Her anger boiled over as the older woman sauntered from her chair, her massive breasts jutting forward. When she reached Henry, she wrapped her fingers around his bicep, leaning in to press a kiss on each side of his face before accepting the microphone.
“What the hell is going on?” Jennifer asked.
Was Helen Carrington the reason he’d left my bed without saying goodbye? The important matter Henry had to take care of? “I’ve no idea,” Victoria snapped. It doesn’t make sense. Henry swore that he wasn’t interested in the cougar.
“Hello, friendly residents of Newport,” Helen said in her well-practiced sensual voice.
A chorus of voices answered exuberantly from the audience.
“As one of the founding members of the Newport Ladies’ Refurbishment Society, I have a vested interest in maintaining the charm and rich history of Newport’s amazing past. After a careful review of Santana Construction’s proposal to build a five-star resort community along the waterfront, it has been decided to decline any further discussion regarding the project.”
The crowd erupted in an unruly fashion.
“Please,” Helen said, preening behind the podium. “Quiet down now.” She smiled, her keen eyes scanning the rows of chairs before locking on Victoria. She winked and then continued on with her speech. “Recently, the Newport Ladies’ Refurbishment Society was endowed with a six-million-dollar grant to continue with our plans to reconstruct Newport’s waterfront to its previous splendor. Many of the colonial homes are in need of an overhaul, and this grant will provide a means for us to restore them to historical accuracy. This is a massive undertaking but one that I know will prove worthwhile. So it is with great honor and appreciation that on behalf of myself and those appointed to the acquisitions committee, Henrique Santana has agreed to oversee this project.”
“Oh. My. Goodness,” Victoria whispered, her mind in a twist with the recent developments.
“Unbelievable,” Jennifer uttered beside her.
“Thank you all for attending tonight.” Helen picked up the gavel, a broad smile across her lips, and pounded it against the podium. “Meeting adjourned.”
HENRY
Henry elbowed his way through the crowd, disregarding the locals who swarmed around him. “Victoria,” he said, locking his arms around her when he finally reached her.
“What have you done?” Victoria asked incredulously.
“Given us a future. The Newport Ladies’ Refurbishment Society presented me with an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Victoria stiffened, her eyes narrowing. “You mean, Helen Carrington offered you an opportunity you couldn’t refuse,” she stated, her tone clipped.
“Your claws are out, Goldilocks,” he chuckled before his expression grew serious. “Yes, Helen did offer me the position. But she’s only a friend. Nothing more. Helen knows I only desire one woman—you.”
“But—” Victoria started to protest.
Jennifer cleared her throat.
Henry broke off the kiss. “Ms. Jordan,” he said, nodding in her direction.
Jennifer cocked an eyebrow. “Well, Henrique Santana you’re certainly full of surprises. Perhaps, I’ve been wrong about you after all. Time will tell.”
Victoria clung to Henry’s shoulders, nuzzling her head against his broad chest to shield herself from the onslaught of inquiries bombarding them.
Jennifer’s aqua eyes traveled to the handsome police officer stationed outside of the entrance. “Damn he looks hot in that uniform.” Tossing her purse over her shoulder, she said brazenly, “Even better out of it.”
“Jenn!” Victoria gasped.
“I’ll leave you to catch up,” Jennifer laughed. “I’m going to find out what time Andre gets off duty.”
“Mr. Santana! Mr. Santana!” Paparazzi and television reporters circled them like vultures. The cameras repeatedly clicked, their flashbulbs blinding them with their megawatt lights. “Ms. Hathaway, please give us a statement.”
“Not now, ladies and gentleman. I believe Ms. Hathaway and I have already provided ample material for the morning papers,” Henry said, whisking Victoria away from the crowded room.
Chapter 24
Victoria
The days following the town council meeting had been a whirlwind of activity. Both feeling joyful and triumphant, Victoria and Jennifer practically floated around the shop, each experiencing their own natural high. Business was booming. Their vision was finally coming to fruition. Heedless of their exhaustion, they labored into the wee hours of the night, restocking the shelves, balancing their account books, maintaining inventory, and baking everything from fancy pastry treats to chocolate chip cookies—all to accommodate the slew of last-minute local shoppers and the ne
w clientele that flocked to the Literary Ladies’ Book Nook and Café. Thanks to the immense amount of media coverage surrounding the events of the city council meeting, sales had spiked up as inquisitive romantics visited the store in droves. The marketing classes Victoria had taken while in college were paying off tenfold. As each shopper eagerly sought out the perfect gift, Victoria would accompany them to the vast array of specialty goods located at the entrance of the café. Between the intoxicatingly delicious smells wafting from the café and the allure of the specialty teas, coffees, mugs, and delicate teacups adorned in holiday splendor, few could resist adding an extra-special item to their literary purchase.
This year, Jennifer increased her selection of holiday confections. Arranged behind the glass counter between sprigs of evergreen and holly, they were a temptation few could resist. Each pre-wrapped box of holiday confections featured a variety of sweet treats in attractive gift boxes, topped with large, sparkling ribbons. For a unique finishing touch, customers could select a gift card from the small display stand positioned on the counter. Last year’s addition of the cards had increased their sales numbers significantly. In the coming year, Victoria and Jennifer planned to discuss a collaboration with Diana Sousa, the owner of Bountiful Blooms to make extra-special holiday gift packages. Hopefully, the successful florist would be as enthusiastic as they were about the prospect and they’d be in partnership by Valentine’s Day.
Life was good. Full of hope, Victoria looked forward to the new year looming ahead as she turned the sign on the door to closed. As she placed the second sign on the door, which thanked customers for their patronage and welcomed them to visit upon their reopening in the new year, moisture gathered at the corners of her eyes. Together, she and Jennifer had combined their strengths and created a flourishing business. The Literary Ladies’ Book Nook and Café had been their childhood dream, a vision encouraged and inspired by Nana’s support. How she wished Nana was physically there to celebrate with them, but somehow, Victoria had a feeling Nana was dancing in Heaven.
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