Scandal and the Runaway Bride (Heirs to an Empire 1)

/> He took the note out of his pocket and held it up. “If someone helped Gabi catch a ride to the airport, I’d like to know right now.”

No one said a word, but Aurora lifted one eyebrow and Stephen looked slightly smug.

“You’re probably amused that I, too, got a runaway note,” Will said, glaring at Stephen. “But I’m going to say this. Gabi has been manipulated, and not by me. One of you spoke to her last night and portrayed our relationship as one of opportunity and not love. And I’m here to say that whoever did that has betrayed me in the biggest way because I love her. I love her and she loves me and someone has made her doubt that.”

No one spoke.

“Charlotte? You’ve been against this since you found out in Paris. Was it you?”

“No.” She nodded at the note. “But I’d say that note is evidence that whoever did, did you a favor.”

He was so angry. So very, very angry and afraid. What if he couldn’t figure out a way to get her back?

William looked at his mother. There was something in her eyes he didn’t expect. Compassion. He knew it wasn’t her. She might not approve, but she wouldn’t actively poison the well. She knew what it was like to be distrusted and disliked by a man’s family. And so that left...

Stephen.

“You’re my brother. I can’t believe you’d be this malicious.”

Stephen met Will’s gaze. “It was business.”

“Like hell it was.”

“Face it, Will. Your proposal would have put you in a fine position to take control of Baresi. I just said that I couldn’t let that happen.”

“Stephen.” That was from Aurora, a stern admonishment. “Will would never do that.”

“No, I wouldn’t.” If they weren’t in his father’s library, and if his mother weren’t here, he’d be tempted to take Stephen down a notch or two.

“But see? She doesn’t trust you. You’re better off,” Stephen said. “I’m just looking out for you, little brother.”

“No, you’re not.” Bella stepped in this time. “Stephen, I know about your stupid agreement with Gabi. If you start with the ‘left at the altar broken heart’ thing, I’m going to knock you into next week.”

Three sets of eyes looked from Bella to Stephen.

“Are you going to tell them or shall I?” Will asked.

“Tell us what?” Aurora’s voice was soft but imperious, a tone they’d all learned to take very seriously.

Stephen’s dark gaze hardened as he stared at Will.

“Fine,” Will said. “Stephen knew Gabi’s company was struggling and that her father had just heard he had cancer. He made her a deal that Aurora would invest and save the company, in exchange for a sham marriage.” He looked at his mother and his gaze softened. “For Stephen’s part, he was worried about you. You have grieved so hard. He thought, rather foolishly, that a wife and perhaps a baby would help with your grief.”

Aurora rarely looked shocked but she did now. “Stephen. If that was the case, why didn’t you marry Bridget?”

Stephen’s voice was as cold as chipped ice. “Because she was a money-grubbing liar who wanted Aurora, Inc., money and a title to show off.”

“Bridget was the one who broke Stephen’s heart, not Gabi,” Will said. “And I was sent to clean up the mess after the wedding. Only Gabi and I...we fell in love.”

Stephen made a scoffing noise that had every person in the room looking at him.

Bella spoke softly. “Just because you’re hurt doesn’t mean everyone else deserves to be.”

Will swallowed against a lump in his throat. “I know you’re thinking Gabi should trust me, but there are reasons she doesn’t that have nothing to do with me. Those are her secrets and she entrusted them to me, which she is probably regretting at this moment. Stephen, I told you in Italy that family is first, and that I will always owe you a debt because of what you did for me years ago. But this...what you did last night did not put family first. You put your hurt feelings and pride first. I’m ashamed of you, Stephen. And it kills me to say that. You’re my big brother and I love you.”

“I got you out of that flat in London so you could make something of yourself.”

Will stood taller. “And I did. And I’m sorry if you don’t like who I’ve become, or if it threatens you in some way. But I’m never going back to being that person. I will always owe you a debt but not on these terms, Stephen. Not when you’re so very wrong.”