Page 26 of Owned By Royal

She folds her arms tightly across her chest, disappointment etched across her face. “You left our engagement party without saying goodbye.”

“I wasn’t exactly in the mood to celebrate.”

“You made people talk.”

I let out a tired laugh. “Mother, people were already talking.”

She shakes her head. “You’ve done everything possible to make this engagement difficult.”

“I’ve tried to make you see reason.”

“I have seen reason.”

“No.” I stand, unable to remain seated any longer. “You’ve chosen not to.”

She sighs heavily, looking every bit as exhausted as I feel. “Can we please have one conversation without arguing?”

“I’d love that.”

“Then stop attacking Marco every chance you get.”

Something inside me finally snaps. “I can’t, mom. Why don’t you get it!”

“Why?”

“Because I think he murdered Dad!” The words echo through the room.

My mother’s face goes completely still. “What?”

“I’ve been investigating him for months. I found documents in Dad’s company after he died. Emails. Notes. He ended a business deal with Marco because he discovered something terrible.”

She stares at me in disbelief.

“You’ve been investigating my fiancé?”

“I’ve been investigating the man I believe ordered Father’s murder.”

“No.” Her answer comes immediately. “You’re wrong.”

“I don’t think I am.”

“Sierra, listen to yourself. You’ve let your grief convince you of something impossible,” she says.

“I have evidence. Enough to know Dad was afraid of him.”

She shakes her head over and over, refusing to accept what she’s hearing. “Marco isn’t capable of that.”

“You barely know him. And I don’t want you marrying him.”

“And I don’t want you destroying your life chasing ghosts.”

“They aren’t ghosts.”

She sighs wearily. “Sierra, I loved your father. And I mourned him.”

“I know.”

“So don’t stand there acting as though I’d knowingly marry the man responsible for his death.”