Page 53 of Perfect Satisfaction

My head reels at his next horrifying words.“You will learn all about the man you married—the good, the bad, the truly misfortunate. If you fail to do so, I will have your brother Joshua’s shares of MSW reversed and sold publicly.”

“He can’t do that, can he?” I cry frantically. That’s when I see the grimness tightening JB’s mouth. “How is this possible?”

“I’ll tell you in a moment. Keep playing.”

“Should you fulfill this last obligation—one that would not be an issue had you brought your marriage to me instead of hiding it—neither you nor your brothers will have need to fear the remainder of the terms of the estate. All monies, stock, and homes will be placed into a new estate the three of you will be responsible for dividing equitably, with the exception of the MSW shares intended for Joshua to run the company and the amount paid to your husband at the time of your divorce.”There’s a long pause before he concludes with an ominous,“Do not let your family down, Ursula.”He disconnects, but the words left hanging in the room unsaid arelike you’ve done before.

I truly believe the faintness that has overcome my body has everything to do with the onset of a panic attack. The idea of living with Arek makes me feel like I’ve just been washed out to sea. I take my fear out on JB. “Tell me how this is possible.”

His face is chalky. “The stock was held in the name of the CEO of Moore Software.”

“That means the board likely has orders to vote you out if I don’t do this.”

Brendan asks, “Are you crazy? You’re finally starting to heal.”

“Then I guess the scars won’t hurt as badly when they’re opened again.” To JB, I inform him, “This company is yours. There’s no way we’re letting it go to pot.”

“I can’t ask this of you. I can’t have you broken by him. Again.”

“You’re not asking me. I’m telling you what’s going to happen.” Glaring at every single person in the room I’m not related to, I’m shocked to find admiration on their faces. “Now, tell me what happens next?”

“The next thing that happens is we contact your husband.”

My husband.

Automatically, my finger goes to the ruby red jewel I replaced my nose ring with—though Brendan gave me the original back after the night Smith was injured.

After all, what’s one more hole since the one in my heart can’t close up?

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

“Ursula Moore was swamped after she moved into her New York City condo. Americans were rocked to their back teeth by accusations she’s been having an affair with country megastar, Brendan Blake.

After being pressed for a comment, she finally stated, ‘I’ve been a friend of the Blake family since I was in my nappies. I certainly don’t consider Brendan in that manner, nor he I. I personally take offense on the trash that was written on behalf of his wife, my friend Danielle Madison. No offense to the rest of the world who lusts over him, but seriously? Ew!’

Every reporter in hearing distance laughed.

Now, can we be done with the matter and move on to more important things?

—Moore You Want

“Why were you in London?Were the solicitors finally offering to take legal action?” Angie probes.

“No.”

We’re sitting on the floor of my penthouse eating directly out of a carton of ice cream—the way we used to when the two of us were roommates our freshman year. I swallow my bite and waive my spoon in the air. “According to them, this is just the price of fame. And my dear, departed douchebag—”

“Which one are we referring to? Your husband or your father?”

“My father.”

“Right. Go on.”

“Well, since we can’t say anything about our actual relationship, the only offense I have is skirting the truth.”

Angie’s eyes blaze. “Was he always such a bastard?”

I shrug, telling a half-truth. “Often.”