The Billionaires (Lover's Triangle 1)

“Sorry, but I find that very hard to believe when it comes to this transaction.”

He reached for his glass and pulled in a long drink. Then he told her, “My father’s going to renege on the deal.”

She gaped.

Rogen continued. “The scotch will disappear for a time but will eventually end up in his possession. He’ll have paid you, so no harm, no foul in his mind. And the Angelini portion of the land will stay in our portfolio.” He appeared contrite as he added, “It’s no consolation, Jewel, but he’s impressed with your resourcefulness. He just refuses to part with that property.”

“Goddamn it,” she said, her heart sinking. Her dreams evaporating like the monks’ wine. “Fuck me.” She let out a humorless half snort. “In every conceivable way.”

“Sweetheart.” Rogen tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry.”

Gazing up at him, she simply said, “Sure.”

His expression turned tormented. His fingertips brushed gently over her cheek. “It’s the truth, Jewel. I am sorry that my father would do something so underhanded, especially when you’re making a valiant effort to free up that land.”

“It’s not just that, Rogen.” She stared at him imploringly. “There has to be a way to get our families to let go of the past and move on. Be friends again. Trust each other. They’re neighbors in a small community!”

His caressing hand fell away. He stepped around her. Went back to attempting to wear a hole in her floorboards.

But his apparent frustration and deliberation over the predicament was actually moot. Her big coup was dead in the water and there was nothing Rogen could do to help her salvage it.

Her eyes squeezed shut. She’d like to have said she’d gotten so close to succeeding and feel a modicum of pride for attempting something bold and daring. But she hadn’t come even remotely close. She’d been stonewalled before she’d even shaken Gian Angelini’s hand.

And should have known it.

“Jewel.”

Her lids fluttered open. Her eyes were a bit misty, and her pride took another hit. What a fool they all must think she was. Gian. Rose-Marie. Rogen. Vin.

She turned away and sipped her wine, her nerves now frayed.

She wanted to scream. Instead, she said, “I’ll bet Vin’s getting a good laugh out of this.”

“Vin doesn’t know. And, for the record, no one’s getting a laugh out of it. I don’t even think my father’s happy with his strategy. But it’s the only one he’s got, and it’s the only way he’s going to feel a little vindication over what your father tried to pull off when Taylor got sick and my family’s attention was elsewhere.”

“My father always contended he was doing right by the two businesses. That his projected profit margin was much wider than with a viticulture center and tasting room, to everyone’s benefit.”

“And he had all the proof to back it up; that can’t be disputed. But the fact still remains, he cut my parents out of the decision-making and operated on his own.”

Jewel turned back to Rogen. “Yes. You’re right. And all of this bullshit is just supposed to be chalked up to best practices? What was supposed to be most advantageous for the bottom line? Except there is no bottom line with that property I want, as long as we all remain in a stalemate. So my father might as well have built his marketplace fifteen years ago and split the profits with your family. They would have made money—not lost it. Not continued to lose it.”

“In a roundabout way … yes. That is true.” Rogen stopped his pacing and asked, “What do you want with that land?”

“An inn. With plenty of room for events and weddings. Plus a Nicklaus– or Jim Engh–designed golf course. But what does it matter?”

It’s a dead stick now.

She winced inwardly.

“So much for progress,” Jewel said. “And trying to bridge our families. It was a stupid idea, wasn’t it?” She stared up at Rogen again, her heart aching.

He gave her a solemn look, which only made her hurt more.

“It wasn’t a stupid idea, sweetheart. In fact, it’s a fantastic idea. Very smart

, Jewel.”

She fought the emotion crushing in on her. Latched on to what Vin had said at the restaurant. She asked, “Was there something you wanted to do with all that acreage?”