Chris' eyebrows went up. “Dead? When? How?” “Yes, five years ago.” “I am sorry to hear that, how did it happen?” “She did something foolish like some kids do and it took her life.” “What did she do?” Chris asked, eyes narrowed. “I don’t want to get into it. I would rather forget the bad memory.” Jason snapped. “I understand. But it never made the news, not even on social media. Why is that? You are a big name in town, the death of your daughter would have made news.” “I didn’t want it to. Please forget about that. Let’s concentrate on business.” “We are. Adele is part of the deal, it can’t be done without her.” “Come on Chris! Of course it can. Ask for something else you want.” “I already have. The only thing I want is for us to be a family.” “Why? We are friends already, that should be good enough for us.” “No it isn’t. The alternative is I have a stake in the winery.” “You want a stake in my winery! Okay how much stake?” Jason asked reluctantly. “How mu
Present dayAdele's Pov I lay awake all night thinking about my childhood, and all the happy times I’d had before everything fell apart. I thought of my family. A year ago I had sent Dad an email asking to know how he was and telling him how much I missed him. He hadn’t replied and had blocked me. Now he had asked to see me which meant he must have forgiven me, but what about Tina and Karen? How would they react? I was eager to see them but not if it meant being mocked and called names in front of my son. But with Dad there I was sure everything would be okay. I thought of my ex boyfriend Harry and my ex best friend Lucy. Was there any chance I would run into them? And how would I react? I still couldn’t believe a girl I had called my best friend could have betrayed me like that. It was only now I could think about it without crying, but it still hurt. And I thought about the dark haired guy who I suspected was Jay's dad, would I run into him? I sighed. Maybe I would find
Adele's Pov My heart was pounding heavily as I walked up the driveway, and I was both excited and scared. Jay was besides me skipping and chatting excitedly. I wished I shared his enthusiasm. The house was just as I remembered it. I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell, then held my breath as the door opened. “Miss Turner!” Marie, our housekeeper said. “What a wonderful surprise.” Her eyes fell on Jay. “Is this your son?” “Yes. His name is Jason.” “Mommy who is this?” Jay whispered. “Jay this is our housekeeper Marie.” “Let me take your bag to your room,” She said taking my travelling bag. “Your family are in the sitting room.” I nodded and putting a smile on my face, walked into the sitting room. Dad, Tina, and Karen were all sitting on the sofa. They looked up as I entered. One look at dads face and my smile vanished. Any hope I had that this was a reconciliatory meeting vanished too. Dad’s face was red with anger. He glared angrily at Jay. “You have the nerve t
It seemed to me I had been sitting in the chair for hours. I was numb with shock and my heart ached. My eyes were filled with tears which I fought to stop from falling. I couldn't believe it. Not only had Lucy and Harry stabbed me in the back, they had gone ahead to rub salt in the wound. I managed to stand up and left the room. I could hear Jay and Marie in the kitchen but I couldn’t face them yet. I went upstairs and entered my bedroom. It was just the way I had left it except a picture of me and my mother, taken when I was a year old, had been removed. I now remembered I hadn’t seen any of my pictures hanging on the living room wall. I sighed heavily and sank to the ground, sobbing into my hands. When I had let it all out I got up. I had to go and wash my face but I hesitated, remembering that five years ago I had stood in this same bathroom and tried to take my life. I shook my head. All that was in the past. I went into the bathroom which was as clean as my room. Marie
Karen and Tina were sitting on the patio enjoying a orange juice and laughing at Adele. “Does that little slut really think she has a say about this marriage?” Tina laughed. “She is so irritating. I was hoping to see her really looking terrible but instead she is looking really good." Karen said jealousy. "She must have been selling herself for money. She is a slut after all, what did you expect?" " I don’t know why dad invited her over. He said she was dead to him so why did he go looking for her?” Karen complained. “Don’t worry honey your dad dosen’t care about her. She is just a tool we are using to get back our money your dad foolishly lost.” “But we don’t need her. Dan and I couldn’t get married.” “Agreed, but Chris insisted on him marrying Adele. So we have no choice. And we need Chris’ money.” “I still don’t understand why dad made such a foolish decision.” She grumbled. “It was stupid and it almost ruined us.” “It did ruin us. We were lucky Chris stepped
Adele's PovI returned to my room feeling hurt and humiliated. I should have known better than asking Karen for anything. I looked through my clothes and sighed. Most of my clothes were sweats, tshirts and jeans. Nothing good enough to wear to a first impression dinner and I didn't have enough money to buy something new. Asking my dad for the money was out of it. Rachel called me. I winced. I didn't want to tell her the truth, but I didn't want to lie either. "Hey Rachel." I said trying to sound normal. "Adele, how are you? How is it going?" "Well." I lied. "So your dad wanted you guys to make peace?" "Yes. We are talking. Everything is fine." "Are you sure you are okay?" "Yeah so is Jay. Thanks for asking." "Well your dad is a jerk but if he wants to guys to reconcile then I am happy." I bit my lower lip, feeling bad about lying to her. "Thanks again for calling Rachel, we will be home soon. Bye." I hung up before she asked more questions I had no answer fo
Adele's Pov“Hey! Why don’t you watch were you are going?” He said, his sexy dark eyes flashing angrily. “Me watch were I am going? That is rich coming from the guy with his face stuck in his phone.” I shot back also angry. He looked at me in surprise. Clearly he wasn’t used to being spoken to like that. “Hold on, are you talking to me?” He asked surprised. “Unless you have an invisible twin yes I am.” I said looking him in the eye. Even though I was angry I couldn’t help noticing how drop dead gorgeous he was with blue black hair, dark sexy green eyes and a strong jaw. All on a handsome face that could only belong to a mode. Wow! he was hot alright, and he also looked vaguely familiar. He wore a designer suit on his muscular, well sculptured body and for a crazy minute I wondered how he'd looked with no clothes on. Damn where had that thought come from? “You really don’t know who I am do you?” He said arrogantly. “Don’t bother telling me because I really do
Adele's PovI was nearing the exit door when I heard him call out to me. “You forgot your dress.” He said, raising the two shopping bags. Stupid me. I thought. I tuned to face him, my face red with embarrassment. “Look I am sorry. I shouldn’t have said all that.” He said gently and headed me the bags. “I paid for the dress and bought another for you.” He explained. I hadn’t expected that and was pleased and surprised. “Thank you. I didn’t expect you to pay double.” “It's okay. Now you can do me a favor to pay back.” Seriously? “What?” I asked impatiently. “I want to pick out a gift for my fiancée but I'm not sure what to get her. Can you help?” I didn’t know why I felt a little disappointed to hear the word fiancee. I glanced at the time. Still had enough time before I got back. “Sure, let’s go. What do you have in mind?” I asked. “Flashy jewelry. That is what most women want isn’t it?” “Not really. What most women really want is to get through t
They turned. Adele was standing at the door. “What do I have to be told?” She asked looking from Chris to Rachel. “That i got the DNA result changed to confuse the cops.” Chris said quickly. Adele knew instantly she was being lied to. “Is that so?” She asked. “Yeah,” Chris said, “well now you know I better get going. Bye.” “Are you going to tell me what that was really about?” Adele asked Rachel after Chris walked out. “Chris told you already.” “Rachel, what is going on?” “Nothing. Come on let's not keep Jay waiting.” Still frowning suspiciously, Adele followed her to the living room. ** Dan was getting back into his car when Chris pulled into the car park. “Dad! I've been to the house Zoey told me you were here; I'm just coming from your office. Your secretary said you hadn't come in yet.” “Yeah, I stopped at your house. I was about to call you. I wanted to see you.” They rode the elevator to his office. “What's going on with Craig? Why was he arrested for Hal's mur
Chris was still in his office trying to make sense of his discovery, when his thoughts where interrupted by his ringing cell phone. He frowned when he saw Zoey was the one calling. “Hello? Slow down Zoey I can’t understand you, Craig has what? Arrested? Why?” He sighed. “I am on my way.” He called his lawyer and asked him to go to the police station, then went to join them. He first spoke to the cops, before he was taking to see Craig. “Dad! Tell this your dumbass lawyer to get me the fuck out of here.” Craig said angrily. “I haven't done anything wrong.” The lawyer rolled his eyes. Chris asked to speak to Craig alone and the room was emptied. “Get me the fuck out of here dad! Now!” “The cops said you were seen a few times, going to Hal Daniel’s room.” Chris said ignoring him. “What is the big deal? He is my friend. We have known each other from college.” “Before or after you dropped out and started being a pain in my ass?” Chris snapped. “Dad!” “If he is your
“Dad, do you have something to do with this?” Dan asked Chris when the detective had left. “Me? Of course not.” Chris said. “Really? Because I noticed you didn't show any surprise when the result was read.” Rachel said suspiciously. “Because I knew in my heart Adele was innocent.” “Really? Or is it because you did something like forging the result.” “Stop it Rachel. I didn't do anything. I swear.” “But this doesn't make any sense.” Adele said confused, “Hal is Jay’s father. I am sure of it.” Chris shrugged. “Well maybe there was a mistake with the DNA. Anyway, forget it. You are off the hook. The cops can look elsewhere for their suspect.” He stood up. “I have to go, see you guys later and don't worry about anything, I have it handled.” “Sure you do,” Rachel sneered. Chris left grinning. “He changed the results,” Rachel said, “I know him too well.” “Why won’t he admit it?” Adele asked. “Because he wants to keep you in the dark. So you don't get into trouble if he gets caug
Zoey was on the phone as she entered the dining room. “-I am glad you are okay. Don’t worry Dad will make sure everything is okay…yeah, I read the news on the blog, don’t worry they can only talk, everything will be fine. Don’t mention it, take care.” She hung up giggling. Craig, who was at the dining table picking at his food. looked at her suspiciously. “What is going on?” He asked. “I read Adele was arrested, then I read she wasn’t but was only invite for questioning. What’s the truth?” “The first one. The second is Dad trying to do damage control.” She laughed sitting down. “Spill, what is going on?” He asked impatiently. “Adele was arrested for Hal Daniels murder.” “Why?” He asked alarmed. “The murder weapon was found hidden in her office.” “Shit! Seriously?” “Yeah. The cops want to run a DNA test on her kid. For some reason they think Hal is the dad, which may give a motive. Crazy right?” She noticed Craig looked scared. “What's wrong?” “Nothing.” “Don’t
Dan watched helplessly as Adele was taken away by the police. “What the hell is going on! A gun in the office?” Zoey asked shocked. Dan didn’t answer. He rushed out and almost ran to Chris’ office. Zoey was right behind him. Hee burst in, startling Chris. “Dad the cops have arrested Adele!” “When? Why” Chris asked standing up quickly. “Just now. They found a gun in her office! I know she is being framed. We have to call a lawyer!” “A gun?” “Yes. The one used to kill Hal Daniels. We have to do something!” Dan insisted. “Calm down, I’m on it now.” He called his lawyer and picked up his coat. “Let’s go, the lawyer will meet us there.” He told Dan. “I am coming too.” Zoey said. “No. It’s okay, you stay here.” Chris said. She watched them walk into the elevator, then when the door closed, she began laughing. Yes! It had been so easy to plant the gun. She had waited until she saw Adele leave for a meeting, then she snuck in and put the gun behind the filling cabinet, before m
Adele's PovAter Zoey left, I sat staring at the blank screen of my computer. In my mind I was going over what I would tell Dan this evening. I wanted to tell him the truth without upsetting him so much. I sat there for hours, worrying and sweating. I wondered if my dad had heard about what had happened. I didn't think so because Chris had made sure the press kept my name out of it, but even if I had been arrested and sentenced to death, I knew my dad won’t care. He was still mad at me. My phone rang and I nearly jumped out of my chair. “Calm down,” I told myself as I picked up the phone. It was Dan. “Babe I am stuck in a meeting, you’ll have to have lunch without me. Sorry about that.” He said. “It’s okay, I understand. I love you.” “Love you too, see you later.” I hung up and swallowed nervously. I knew he couldn’t wait for this evening, but i was dreading it. I was happy he couldn’t take me to lunch because I wasn’t even thinking of food. The thought of it made me ill. I was
Zoey stared at the note. There was no return address. She turned it over and saw an address written on the back. The address looked familiar but she wasn’t sure. Then she looked at the key. It was clearly a key to a storage unit. That’s it! The address was a storage unit. Was this some stupid prank? Or was it for real? Whatever the case, who was responsible? Chris? Or maybe Craig? She put the note and key back in the envelope and put them in her drawer, but she kept thinking about it. If it was for real and would put Adele in jail, and maybe even destroy Dan, why not? But she had to be careful. If Chris found out she was still plotting he would throw her out for good. She went home for lunch, hoping Craig would be at home. She wanted to ask his advice without giving too much away. She found him slumped in a chair, staring into space, biting him lower lip. He jumped startled when she called his name. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” She asked annoyed. For the past few days Cr
“Are you sure you want to come in today?” Dan asked Adele the next morning, as she stepped out of the shower. “I do. I have gotten over the shock of yesterday. I am fine.” He nodded but he wasn’t convinced. Everything wasn’t fine. In his office yesterday he had thought about Adele’s story and it didn’t make sense. If Hal wasn’t able to attend the meeting, why didn’t Adele let his company know? They could have sent someone else. Driving all the way to see him was suspicious, he remembered the way she had looked when he had come into her office, the afternoon she’d first met Hal. Dan had guessed something was wrong but she denied it. He was so worried that he went to meet his Dad. Chris was on the phone when he came in so he waited. “The news has already gone round about the murder.” Chris said when he hung up. “I’m going to make sure I keep Adele’s name out of it.” “Don’t you think it’s strange?” Dan asked. “No. It was a public place, and the victim works for a big compan
Adele's Pov. I was still sitting in the hotel lobby, when Dan rushed in with Chris behind him. “Are you okay babe? Are you alright? What happened?” He asked anxiously. I had called him five minutes ago, as soon as I'd managed to pull myself together. I had almost fainted after seeing Hal on the bed, a bullet hole in his chest. My scream had attracted a passing housekeeper who rushed in, and when she saw the body, led me to the lobby, then called the cops. I was still shaking and scared as Dan hugged me. “I am fine. Really.” I said. “What where you doing here honey?” Dan asked. “Yeah, why are you here? What is going on?” Chris asked. I stared at them, tongue tied. I hadn’t thought about what I would say when this question was asked. “I found a dead body. Hal Daniel’s body in his hotel room.” I stammered. “Yeah but why were you there?” Chris asked. “He asked me to come and talk about the contract.” I said. “In his room?” Chris asked confused. “Yeah he said he