Chapter Two
Richard
I rarely got this irritated.
Natalie hadn't answered my messages in three hours. During that time, I'd checked my phone more than I usually did in an entire day.
This wasn't normal. Even during our most perfunctory exchanges, she always replied within minutes, even if it was just "okay."
I tried calling her. The phone rang four times before switching to voicemail.
Just as the automated voice prompted me to leave a message, the hospital room door swung open. Olivia emerged, steadying herself against the doorframe. Her face was still pale, but she looked considerably better.
"Sorry, Richard. Didn't mean to keep you waiting." Her voice carried weakness and apology. "I feel terrible that you had to come all the way to the hospital to pick me up."
My attention snapped back to the present.
"It's fine." I killed the screen and slipped my phone back into my coat pocket, my tone resuming its usual steadiness. "Wescheduled you to lead the meeting before I left for Zurich. You can't miss it. Besides, I needed to swing by the office for a file anyway. You're on the way."
It was true. The Carter family—Olivia's family—was crucial to our European expansion. She herself was the primary point of contact for the project. Whether professionally or personally, checking on her while she was stuck in LA and bringing her to the prep meeting was the most efficient arrangement. I would have done the same for any business partner in her position.
"Let's go. Car's downstairs." I gestured toward the elevator.
Olivia followed, her heels clicking crisply in the quiet corridor. As we reached the elevator, she spoke softly. "Earlier... what Nick and I said. You're not bothered by it, are you?"
I glanced at her.
She kept her eyes down, discomfort flickering across her face. "He's always made those kinds of jokes. College till now—never changed. I just went along with it. Figured if I did, he'd finally drop all that ancient history."
She paused, meeting my eyes. "So... does it bother you?"
"No." I pressed the elevator button. "I know what Nick's like."
And I did. I couldn't care less about those so-called bets or jokes. Besides, I barely talked when drunk. I was more inclined to believe Nick had made the whole thing up.
More to the point, Natalie was my wife. For two years, she'd done well. Even if I had said those things while drunk, I would never sleep with another woman over some idiotic bet.
After marriage, I owed my wife emotional and physical loyalty.
Ten hours later,the private jet touched down. The moment the cabin door opened, I reconnected to the network. The screen lit up. Still no new messages from Natalie. Only a few emails from my assistant about schedules and work confirmations.
An inexplicable restlessness took over. I dialed Blackwood Manor directly.
Joseph answered.
"Sir."
"What's Natalie doing today?" I cut to the chase.
"Madam hasn't been feeling well these past couple days. This morning she went to Ethelred Hospital. Alone."
Ethelred Hospital? My heartbeat skipped.
"Results back yet?"
"When Madam returned, she said it was just a common cold. She was tired and needed rest. This afternoon, I had Dr. Howard come by. He prescribed some gentle supplements and calming herbal tea." Joseph paused. "Madam instructed us not to disturb your work."
A cold.
