Page 67 of The Billionaire Invitation

“But?” Dante rarely heard a compliment from his father without a caveat.

“But. You’ve proven you can do it. The foundation can run itself now. If your staff is halfway decent. Are they?”

“Of course they are. I placed most of them myself.”

“Precisely. And you and I both know that your mother is capable of caring for herself. She is one of the most sought-after costume designers in the world. She’s self-contained, and dashing from movie set to movie set. So, who are you staying in LA for, son? Isn’t it time to step into the life you want to live? Your life, rather than hers or your grandfather’s?”

“I am living the life I want to live,” Dante gritted out, even though he didn’t owe his father an explanation.

“You stay because it’s familiar. Familiar feels safe. But safety is the opposite of growth.”

“I’m not running a foundation or living in LA to feel safe. I stay because that’s where I’m needed.”

“Your mother doesn’t need anyone. She never needed me.” Octavius’s mouth turned down in the corners, a sign that he was starting to get irritated.

Fine by Dante. He had been irritated for a while.

“Your mother was the one who told me she never wanted to settle down. And she was the first woman I seriously considered settling down with, so that was a blow. Turned out to be a blessing. If I’d have married Simone, I wouldn’t have had Jaylyn. We have to trust life when it throws us curveballs. The trick is knowing when to step out of the way so you don’t get hit by one.”

“Does that mark the end of your TED Talk?” Dante hated when his father tried to be philosophical. As if every conversation was a chance to impart his singular wisdom.

“For now.”

“Well, then. Enjoy Portugal. Thanks for dinner.” Dante polished off the whiskey and left behind the empty glass.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

When Dante came in from the balcony, his expression was fierce and his gait was wide. Escaping Octavius, no doubt. Honesty could see Dante’s father through the balcony glass, sipping his drink and peering up at the sky.

She was instantly frustrated on Dante’s behalf. If he was this upset, then shame on Octavius for being so cool.

She stood, ready to leave with him, when Dante crossed to her. He cradled her elbow and leaned down to say, “I have to make a phone call. Sorry for the interruption. You okay here with everyone?”

“I—”

“Good.” He released her and on his way to the exit called out to the room. “Enjoy dinner. I won’t be long.”

Then he was gone, leaving Honesty to exchange glances with his mother, who was sitting across from her, cradling Brody and Reagan’s sleeping daughter.

“Let him be,” Simone advised before smiling down at the baby in her arms.

“Dramatic,” Brody muttered, pushing to stand.

“Stay put,” Reagan told him. “You are not needed.”

“You too,” Chloe told Zander. “Give him space.”

Both men slanted glances at their women. Clearly they’d reluctantly agreed. Neither moved.

“The ladies will be taking this party to the unoccupied portion of the balcony,” Jaylyn announced as she waved to a waiter. “Three glasses, chilled Dom Pérignon, and a non-alcoholic bubbly for this one.” She pointed at Reagan. Then to Dante’s mother, she asked, “Are you joining us, Simone?”

“I have a Diet Coke.” Simone tapped her glass with one red fingernail. “I’ll be holding this baby as long as Reagan allows.”

“Happy to allow,” Reagan said. “I pumped, so there is an emergency bottle in that baby bag. Ask Brody if you need anything.” She blew her fiancé a kiss.

Honesty sent a longing look at the doorway, tempted to follow Dante herself. The idea of him suffering in silence bothered her more than it should have. He was a grown man. He could handle this without her interference. The urge to chase after him wasn’t as strong as the urge to be surrounded by the Crane women—and one Crane-to-be. She followed the ladies to the balcony.

Two waiters were outside, one carrying the champagne and glasses, the other busying himself lighting the heating elements. Out of the corner of her eye, Honesty saw that Octavius had returned from the other balcony.