Which meant I had a long way to go.

Commodore, the canny old man, noticed my silence and narrowed his gaze on me. “You have someone in mind already?”

I shook my head. “Not yet, sir.”

I hated the lie, but it wasn’t time to tell him yet. Although, if it were up to Whitney, it never would be.

One step at a time. That was how I had to work this.

My mother slammed my father’s office door and stopped in front of Commodore. “If your son doesn’t learn how to keep his hands to himself, your family is going to have its first ever divorce.”

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?”

Twenty

Whitney

Present day

“What are you doing here?” Sylvia Riscoff’s question rings with disbelief and disgust.

“Mrs. Riscoff—” Gabi says, but Lincoln’s mother whips 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.”

“You approved this?”