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I chuckle. “Patience, my love.”
I wave to my family. When they approach, I shake their hands and they all say hello to Harper.
My father even gives Harper a kiss on the cheek. I’m so grateful he’s trying. “Good to see you, Harper. You look beautiful.”
Harper stiffens at my side, and the color drains from her face. It couldn’t be easy for her being around my father after hearing the things he said about her in my office. Hopefully, he’s sincerely trying to attempt to get along.
“Nice to see you too.” Her smile is frozen on her face.
“Thankfully, this Met Gala disaster can be put to rest,” my father says to me.
“I still think we should get the police involved and have Bianca and Matteo charged. We have proof,” Hayden says.
“Why you didn’t release that information, I don’t understand. You risked the industry not believing us. That was a ballsy move.” Lucas raises his glass of scotch in the air.
Holding my arm out to Harper, I say, “Look at this gown. Who would ever believe we’d copy anyone else?”
“It’s stunning.” My father gives the dress an appreciative look.
Harper shuffles her feet, probably uncomfortable with the attention on her. I place my hand on the small of her back to soothe her.
“Matteo and Bianca could have cost us millions,” Hayden says with agitation. “They need to be punished.”
My father taps him on the back. “Always thinking about money.”
Hayden shuffles slightly away from our father. The movement so minor you’d hardly notice. I notice because for years Hayden has had a problem with him. Why?
“I think we should let it go,” Dad says. “Do we really want the media circus involved? They’ve already hung themselves. They’ll pay the price.”
“I agree with Dad. Let’s drop it. If they cause any more problems, then we’ll do something,” I say.
My father claps his hands. “Now that’s settled, there’s someone I see that I’d like to speak to. Enjoy your evening, boys.” He nods his head to Harper. “Harper.” With that, he heads off into the crowd.
Harper turns to me, looking a little flustered. This could still be a sensitive subject considering she believed we blamed her. “I’m going to the bar to get a drink.”
“I’ll get it. What would you like?”
She shakes her head. “That’s okay. Stay and talk with your brothers. I’ll be right back.” She spins on her heels and rushes away before I can object.
I don’t want to talk to my brothers. I want to make sure Harper is okay. Before I can go to her, I get stopped by a colleague and lose sight of her.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
HARPER
Atthebar,Isip—or more like guzzle—my glass of champagne. Seeing Marco makes my blood run cold. I saw through his fake smile and friendly kiss on the cheek he gave me. It took all my might not to wipe it off my face. Swallowing the rest of the drink, I put the glass on the counter. If Finn is ready to leave, I’ll ask him to take me home. Then I’ll tell him what I know about his father. Hopefully he’ll forgive me for keeping the secret for so long.
Before making my way to him, I need to make a stop at the ladies’ room. As I walk down the long, narrow corridor, I spot Marco and Bianca in what looks like a heated discussion. Marco has his arms crossed over his chest. Bianca’s hands are waving in front of his face with agitation. So they don’t see me, which is good, because they’re the last two people I want to bump into. I duck into an open doorway that appears to be a sitting room. I listen as their voices grow louder and travel through the corridor.
“I’m an outcast, and it’s all your fault,” Bianca hisses resentfully.
“Don’t be so dramatic.”
What did she meanit’s all your fault. I pop my head out slightly, not wanting to be seen, but hoping to get a better understanding as to what is happening.
Bianca is jabbing a finger at Marco’s chest, her face twisting with rage. “Have you seen the way everyone is looking at me? Or should I saynotlooking at me? They believe Matteo stole the design, and because I worked for Alessi’s and have arrived on Matteo’s arm, they’ve put two and two together.”
Marco rolls his eyes. “So I was wrong. They’ll get over it.”
