Second Chance Rival

“Good afternoon, Belle.”

“What do I owe this unexpected appearance?”

He sat in the chair in front of my desk. “Can’t a grandfather just stop by to see his beautiful granddaughter?”

“Beautiful granddaughter?” I cocked my head to the side. “Why do I feel like you’re buttering me up?”

“We haven’t spoken since you got married, and I wanted to see how things were going.”

“Oh, I see. Are you asking me if I’m pregnant?”

“Are you?”

“Not right now, but we’re trying.”

“In all hours of the day and work environments.”

I’m going to kill Tristian.

“Umm … well, you know… Have to strike while the iron is hot.”

“You remind me of your grandmother at your age.”

Kill me now.

“This is a fantastic talk, but I have to wrap things up for my doctor’s appointment this afternoon.”

“Are you feeling alright?”

“I’m fine. It’s just a checkup.”

“Okay.” He went to stand, but I couldn’t help myself.

I blurted, “Tristian told me why he left after my debutante ball.”

He sighed, sitting back down. “I imagined he’d tell you eventually.”

“Do you want to explain your side of the story?”

“You’re married, aren’t you? In the end, we all got what we wanted.”

“So us getting married wasn’t just about your merger?”

“Belle, if there’s anything I’ve learned in this life it’s that it’s a very short one. If it weren’t for your husband, I probably wouldn’t have known what you’re capable of.”

“I see.”

“You don’t get to choose the family you’re born into, and you, my darling granddaughter, were born into a prestigious dynasty. For better or worse, my legacy will continue through you and my great grandchildren.”

“What if they want nothing to do with the companies?”

“Belle, they’ll have Montgomery and Hawkins blood flowing through them. They’ll want to be the CEO by the time they can walk.”

I laughed. “You’re probably right.”

“I’m always right.”

“I still haven’t heard the words, ‘I’m sorry, Belle, for making you think Tristian left you.’”