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“Jonas adopted Matteo. He had Donna sign papers abandoning her parental rights.”
Camille winces at that. “And she agreed to it?”
“Faster than you could say ‘gladly.’”
“Is Jonas married?”
I shake my head. “Celeste and Aunt Marie-Louise are now Matteo’s stand-in moms.”
Camille’s hand comes down. She lifts her champagne flute and drinks. I do the same. While I feel some discomfort having told her Stephen’s story, I’m also pleased we’re talking again.
Moments pass.
Camille is the first one to break the silence. “So, you’re one of those men that defy your cousin’s theory, huh? Like Prince Maximilian, you score high on both beauty and brains, not to mention the money.”
Why does that sound like a bad thing, coming from her?
“I have flaws, like everyone,” I say in my defense.
She puts her hand over her heart. “Mercy! I forbid you from telling me you’re a perfectionist. This is not a job interview.”
“I wasn’t going to.”
“Good! So, what’s your deal, Your Grace?” She eyes me up and down. “What’s your actual flaw?”
Is she flirting with me?How many drinks has she had tonight?
“Tell me yours first,” I say.
“I have too many. Just listing them would take forever.”
I cock my head. “Try me.”
“I asked first.”
“My biggest flaw is that I have trust issues,” I hit her with an unexpected confession.
“Be more specific.”
“Well, my therapist—”
Her eyelashes fly high. “You have a therapist?
“Doesn’t everyone?”
She rolls her eyes. “Everyone in your social circle, maybe… Never mind! What does your therapist say?”
“He says my specific trust issue is the fear of being let down.”
“Hmm,” she goes.
I don’t expect her to understand or sympathize with my rich man’s problems. Chances are, she’s going to make fun of me.
“You know what?” I say quickly. “Forget what you just heard. I have zero issues.”
“Are you sure?”
“I trust my cousins. I rely on Angie and Rudy without any problem. I fully expect them to do their jobs.”
