My gut quivers, and I swallow hard.
Did he intentionally steal it?
Four
“Notawordaboutthis to my father,” I warn Roger when he parks the car outside the three-story mansion I call my home.
“Yes, miss,” Roger replies diligently.
I thank him and exit the car. As I approach the heavy front doors, they open and Murphy, our butler, stands in wait.
“Welcome home, Miss Ashworth,” Murphy says with a cheery smile. “Hope everything went well during your hospital shift.”
“Yes, thank you,” I say, passing him in the foyer.
“Can I get you anything, miss?” he asks, closing the doors.
I wave him off. “No, I just need to take a shower and get ready for dinner at the club.”
“Of course, miss.”
I move through the hallway, barely glancing at the priceless art and antique furniture decorating the space. On my approach to the staircase, I overhear my brother, and there’s heat in his voice. This can only be the result of one thing.
Our parents.
Ash bursts out of a side door, almost knocking me over.
“Ness,” he yelps, reaching out and propping me up. “Sorry. I didn’t know anyone was around.”
“The door muffled your voice, but I could hear the intensity. What’s up?”
Ash flips his phone upward. “Just on the phone with our mother.”
I hiss like I’m in pain. “That can’t have been fun.”
“I don’t understand why she’s constantly making things difficult,” Ash complains. “It’s been months since she left. Can’t she just come home already?”
I bite into my lip. “Ash, Mom’s not coming home.”
Ash groans. “Why do you always have to be like that? Just because she didn’t come back with you, doesn’t mean she’s staying over there forever.”
“Even if she comes back to Victoria Falls, it won’t mean she’ll return to Ashworth Estate,” I reply. “And if she did, I doubt she and Dad will be back together.”
“But none of this is certain.”
“You didn’t hear how she spoke in Switzerland.”
Ash rolls his eyes. “Dad was cold while you were gone. But it didn’t mean he didn’t want you both back home.”
“He was in denial.” I pause for a beat before adding, “Just like you.”
“Why are you being such a cow?”
“I just want you to get your head out of the clouds.”
“I’m not delusional. There’s nothing wrong with holding out hope.”
“I can see what’ll happen if Mom comes home,” I say, sorrow dropping my expression. “I don’t want you to be disappointed.”
