Page 29 of Pretender

“There’s nothing to leak. This shouldn’t have happened.”

Aiden blows out a long breath. “You’re right. But can you remember who was nearby in the last few days? I’ll ask my mother but she’d never share with the blogger, of course.” He mutters the last part, tracing his thumb across his lower lip.

“Are you saying you don’t actually know who said something? You didn’t say something?”

He drops his hand, gaping at me. “You seriously think I’d do that?”

His eyes search my face, so intense and blue.

“I didn’t get the impression you cared about my side of it,” I answer, not able to keep eye contact so I look at the dent in his chin instead. “That you appreciate how dire my situation is, or how scared I am of making it all even harder for my employees.”

When I glance up at his eyes again, they soften and his shoulders drop an inch.

“It might not occur to you, but I’m well-informed of anything that affects my business.”

“Your business?”

“Indeed. Your design is one of my major investments. Your design makes my places unique. What happens to your design studio affects my business.”

It’s nice of him to spin it this way, but we both know who’s scratching whose back here.

My phone rings in my purse, and the only people who call during the day are clients or employees, and the occasional intrusion from my ex-husband, so in case it’s work, I hold up a hand to Aiden.

“Excuse me,” I say to him. I pick up my phone, and the name on my screen makes my pulse pick up.

What?

“Linnea, darling,” Lady Venetia Beauchamp says when I answer.

“Lady Beauchamp, how do you do?”

“It seems I have made a mistake.”

“You have?”

“Since we last spoke, I’ve learned more about you, and I’d like to have another chat.”

“That’s… That’s wonderful, Lady Beauchamp. Any time, please, when it suits you.”

“This week is no good, but I’m sure I’ll see you Saturday at the party.”

“The party?”

“Yes, darling, you must have expected me to catch on that you’re dating my godson? I know all that goes on in Mayfair. So I assume you’ll be going to his mother’s engagement party.”

“Your godson?”

“Indeed! What a wonderful surprise! I’m baffled as to why Aiden didn’t say anything himself when we met last week. I just heard it from his mother yesterday. Oh, she’s delighted. Anyway, I’ve got to run, but I’m happy to admit when I’ve made a mistake, so will I see you Saturday?”

“Umm.”

Nip it in the bud now.

Tell her the truth.

Tell her.

I turn, my gaze landing on Aiden. He cocks his head at me.