Mila hesitated because she thought she knew where this was going, and it meant she was terribly naïve. “Yes. She was very excited about the rumors related to Maddox Cross.”
Meg nodded slowly as if she saw that coming. “It’s only natural. But your mother may not realize the wasp’s nest she’s brought you into.”
“What about you?” Mila turned to Savannah. “You’re their half-sister.”
Savannah laughed lightly. “My mother didn’t become a CEO by accident. She knew what she was dealing with when she married my father and was more than capable of taking care of us both.” She didn’t sound as happy about that as Mila would expect. “No offense, but I’m not sure your mother will be up for a similar challenge.”
“None taken.” Mila dropped her eyes. She knew that well enough.
“And what of the rumors?” Meg said. “Do you have a counterattack planned?” Her eyes twinkled again.
“Of course not.” Mila rubbed her arm, feeling less certain of her answers as the conversation went on. Savannah and her grandmother were clearly more high society savvy than she was.
Meg tilted her head. “The rumors are true, aren’t they?”
“Nan,” Savannah hissed. “That’s absurd.”
“Is it?” A smile tugged on Meg’s lips. “Maddox Cross is an ambitious son of a gun with dreadful personality flaws. But he’s also a handsome devil. And I think he has some redeeming qualities. I’ll give him some credit for standing by his brother through that whole takeover nonsense.”
Savannah made a face. “I’m not sure that’s enough,” she muttered.
Mila sucked in a breath. “I’ll level with you.” She shut her eyes. “Part of the rumor is true. We did kiss–briefly. And some of that is my fault. But we are absolutely not dating.” Mila emphasized the point by slicing the air with her hands.
Savannah’s eyes widened but Meg tossed her head back and laughed. “Since Maddox is never sincere and you’re not interested, I’m sure the rumors will die out soon enough,” Meg reassured her.
Savannah flicked her walnut-colored hair behind her shoulder and sat back. “That explains why Maddox seemed so flippant today. I suppose he thinks he can do what he wants because it’s true.”
Mila rubbed her temple. “I need to call my mother and explain. She already knows what happened. Keeping her on earth while I try and get to the part where we’re not dating will be my biggest challenge.”
Meg smirked. “I think you’re up for it.” She reached across and patted Mila’s hand.
“You survived a kiss from Maddox Cross,” Savannah said. “You can handle your mother.”
Mila smiled but her mother was a different sort of problem. Honestly, kissing Maddox was probably easier.