Commodore stood even taller as his gaze hardened. “You’ll never walk away from a penny of this voluntarily. But I would write you a check if you do. For a dollar.”
My mother inhaled sharply at Commodore’s insult. It was harsh enough that it even shocked me.
“Sir—”
He held up a hand to silence me. “You have anything else to add to the conversation, Sylvia?”
My mother glared and stalked away.
Commodore turned back to me when she disappeared into the elevator. “Sometimes you have to take a hard line with the ones who would walk all over you. I know she’s your mother, but I don’t like that woman.”
My father’s office door opened and he stepped out. With his hands shoved in his pockets, he asked, “Anyone else need a drink?”
20
Whitney
Present day
“What are you doing here?”Sylvia Riscoff’s question rings with disbelief and disgust.
“Mrs. Riscoff—” Gabi says, but Lincoln’s motherwhips out her hand to silence her.
“I want an explanation for your presence, and I want it now.” Hatred drips from Mrs. Riscoff’s every word. It’s surprising acid doesn’t leak from the corners of her mouth to accompany it.
She despises me. If looks could kill, I’d be dead.
“I’m getting my makeup done.” I say it matter-of-factly. “It’s an excellent facility.”
Her nostrils flare in anger. “A facility you’ll never set foot in again. Get out. Your money’s no good here.”
“Actually, she’s here on employee credit, ma’am,” Gabi says, not realizing she just threw my aunt into the crosshairs.
“Which employee?”
I swallow. “My aunt.”
“I’ll have her job for this. You’re trash, all of you Gables. Always have been, always will be. I don’t care how much money you have now; it doesn’t change who you are.”
I blink twice at her.She thinks I still have money?I’m not going to correct her, though. It’s a mistake that’s no doubt in my favor.
“I’m afraid it was approved by me in advance, Mother. We welcome everyone here at The Gables.”
A petite brunette wearing a tailored skirt suit steps into the room. She has to be McKinley Riscoff, even though she looks nothing like the shy girl I remember.
“And if you would, please try to keep your voice down in the spa. People are enjoying the tranquility.”
“Youapproved this?”
Mrs. Riscoff looks like she’s about to have a fit. Her cheeks are turning red, and I’m terrified she’s going to drop dead right here in the spa, and then I’ll be the Black Widowandthe Mother Killer.
“I’m almost done, Mrs. Riscoff. I’m sure there will be no reason for me to return after today.”
“Oh no, by all means,” McKinley says. “You’re very welcome here. In fact, I came down to welcome you personally. It’s not every day we have someone so—”
“Infamous. That’s what she is. If nothing else, she’ll be terrible for publicity after she drove her husband to kill himself.” Mrs. Riscoff spits out the accusations that are no worse than anything I’ve heard before, but they sting more coming from her. She turns to McKinley. “If that’s how you’re going to run this resort, I’m sure your grandfather would be happy to take it back and give it to Harrison. He’s the one who should’ve had it to begin with.”
McKinley smiles sweetly, but I sense that the girl has her own well-honed suit of armor when it comes to dealing with her mother. “I apologize for my mother’s behavior. You’re welcome anytime. All you have to do is call, and we’ll make sure we can find room for you on the schedule.” She turns to Mrs. Riscoff. “Mother, if you’d come with me, there’s another matter we need to discuss.”