“From you?” She shrugged. “I don’t want anything from you. But even if I did, it’s not rightfully mine now, is it?”
Not anymore.
A knowing expression spread across the man’s hardened face. “You could fight your right to the Mitchell family inheritance. And, given that you were raised as if you were my child, you’d most likely win.”
Didn’t he get it?
“No one wins here, Phillip.” Evie purposely used his given name. “Not me…and certainly not you.”
Evie turned her back on him and walked out of the room. Moving with hard, purposeful steps, she kept her chin up and her emotions in check as she made her way down the hall and through the home’s elaborate foyer.
She reached the front doors. Yanking open the one on the right, Evie started to cross the threshold but was stopped by an unexpected wall of muscle.
A familiar deep voice accompanied a set of steadying hands. “Whoa, there. Where’s the fire?”
“Oh!” A tiny squeal of surprise escaped Evie’s throat. “Excuse me. I’m so sorr—” She blinked as recognition belatedly sank in. “Mr. Granger?”
“Evelynn?” Her father’s years-long business partner stared back at her with obvious surprise. “I didn’t realize…” He glanced back at the circle drive behind him. “I didn’t see your car. And since when do you address me in such a formal manner?”
At fifty-four, the middle-aged financial genius was one of the very few people in her parents’ circle Evie actually liked.
“Sorry, Landy.” The smile lifting her lips was genuine. “And I only flew in for the day. My ride’s on the way to take me back to my hotel.”
Well, her ridewouldbe on its way. Just as soon as she could get on the app and arrange for one to pick her up.
She should probably feel guilty for the harmless, little white lie. But the fewer the questions Landy asked, the sooner their unexpected reunion would be over.
Exchange a few pleasantries. Leave this place with as much dignity as possible. Fall apart in the privacy of my hotel room.
That was her plan, and as hard as it was becoming to keep herself together, Evie was bound and determined to follow through.
“Hotel? Why aren’t you staying…” His friendly blue stare slid to the house behind her and back again. “Let me guess. Your father’s still being his stubborn, pig-headed self?”
Apparently my father’s already dead.
“I wasn’t sure what his schedule was, so I played it safe and got a room in town.”
His broad shoulders shook with a chuckle. “You’re the only multi-millionaire I know who prefers basic to luxury.”
“It’s a perfectly lovely room, and I’m not a multi-millionaire yet,” Evie reminded him. “My birthday isn’t for another four months.”
“The trust.” Landy nodded. “I remember, now. But listen, why the whirlwind trip? I assumed when you returned from your little trip overseas, you’d stay here for at least a few weeks.”
“You mean, you thought I’d spend my time away to reflect on how I left things the last time I was here, and I’d do what I always do and try to make amends.”
“Such a smart little cookie.” Landy’s familiar smile momentarily eased the aching in her broken heart.
Evie chuckled at the forgotten nickname. “I don’t think you’ve called me that since I was a child.”
“Yes, well…I do suppose I should abandon the silly notion. After all, you are clearly no longer a child.”
No, I’m not.
She was an adult who was free to do whatever she wanted. And right now, what she wanted to do more than anything was to leave.
“It was great seeing you again, but my ride will be here any moment. If you’re looking for my—” Evie caught herself,correcting the near-miss with a quick shift in her choice of words. “He’s in the den.”
“Where else would he be?” Landy pulled her in for a hug. “Don’t be a stranger, yeah?”