Devious Intentions (Carson Cove Scandals 3)

“I’m taking classes online…” I sighed.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” A look of bewilderment spread across her face.

“Because all you’ve ever wanted me to do was find someone with money and get married!” I felt frustration start to take over—there were a lot of pent up emotions that had been held back for quite some time.

“Edgar does know a lot of wealthy young men—that could still happen.” She nodded.

“No!” I shook my head back and forth immediately. “That’s your dream, not mine. I don’t need to have money or live in a mansion to feel like my life means something.”

“I just want a better life—for the both of us.” She tilted her head with a hint of a smile on her lips. “I think you’ll understand one day. Things are going to be so much easier for us now.”

“Mom, I’m happy here! This is good enough for me!” I tensed up and shook my head.

I don’t even know if I still want to leave Carson Cove after I graduate from college. I may have a good reason to stay…

“Let’s talk about this at the restaurant.” She ignored the fact that I raised my voice and seemed to dismiss what I said completely. “I’m sure Edgar can talk some sense into you.”

“He’s meeting us for dinner?” I couldn’t contain the scoff that followed my words. “I thought it was just supposed to be the two of us.”

“Of course, he’s going to be there.” She turned towards the mirror and checked her lipstick. “He’s my husband.”

This is like talking to a brick wall. I’m done.

“Then you go have dinner with him.” I waved her off and walked to my bedroom. “I’m not going, and I’m not moving.”

“Leigh…” My mother followed me, and there was finally a hint of emotion in her voice. “You have to go. I told Edgar you would be joining us. He’s excited to get to know you a little better. You’ve never had a father…”

“Don’t even go there!” I turned towards her and shook my head angrily. “He is not my father—you haven’t even known the man long enough for him to be your husband.”

“Well, he is…” My mother narrowed her eyes, and I saw anger start to form in them—I couldn’t even remember the last time she had been upset. “I’m selling the house, Leigh. You’re not staying here. The moving company is coming tomorrow, and by the time you get off work, all of your stuff will be moved out.”

“We need to discuss this.” I took a step forward.

“There’s nothing to discuss. If you want to see your new place before your stuff gets delivered there, I’ll text you the address.” My mother shrugged and walked towards the front door of our house.

“Wait…” I followed her to the door. “I’ll go. Give me a few minutes to get ready.”

It was clear that my mother was ready to end the conversation on the spot without discussing it further. My only option for continuing it was to go with her to Moretti’s and see if I could convince her not to go through with selling the house. That was going to be even more difficult with her new husband sitting across the table. Based on what Damien had told me about his father, I didn’t expect him to be very reasonable. I had to come up with a way to show them that it was in their best interest to let me stay where I was.

I quickly got dressed in something that was presentable enough for Moretti’s. It was odd to hear my mother say she had made a reservation there like she had been doing it her entire life—it certainly wasn’t somewhere she frequented unless she was on a date. The ride to the restaurant was silent, for the most part. I decided not to press the issue until we made it to the table and there was a chance to bring it up. I would have preferred to drive, but I could always take an Uber back to my house—I had no intention of joining the newlyweds for a tour of the recently decimated Sinn Manor.

I wonder if Damien’s father even knows what the place looks like right now…

“I hope you’re not going to bring up anything we discussed earlier in front of Edgar.” My mother finally spoke when we arrived at Moretti’s.

“Why?” I gave her a perplexed look.

“Edgar is trying to take care of us—I don’t want him to think you’re ungrateful.” She narrowed her eyes, and once again, I saw a hint of the anger from earlier. “It’s embarrassing.”

“I won’t do anything to embarrass you, Mom.” I unlocked my door and stepped out of the car.

It wasn’t uncommon for me to disagree with my mother, and I had become a master of pacifying her whims, but it was rare for me to be at complete odds with her. She was normally too preoccupied by her so-called hopes and dreams to do more than ramble on about what she thought was best for me. I didn’t tell her I was going to school initially to avoid having her bring it up constantly and tell me it was a waste of time. She didn’t really have the tenacity for direct confrontation, so when I said no, it was usually the end of it. Something was different. She wasn’t backing down like she always did when I pushed back. It was almost desperation—she finally had what she always wanted and feared losing it.

“Ah, Leigh. It’s nice to see you again.” Edgar stood up when I approached the table, and I did my best not to cringe when he kissed my hand.

“Good to see you again as well, Mr. Sinn.” I forced polite words through a plastered smile.

And your two bodyguards that are standing by the door…