~ SABRINA VINES~ “No! That’s not true. I’m my mother’s heir! I’m her daughter.” “You’re nothing to her. She has no heir. Jacqueline doesn’t have a next generation of anything. Please. That’s a lie, she’s fed you and you know it. Just to keep you in line so you will do what she wants. Look at you right now. You’re here right now trying to pressure me to pressure the police to release her from jail. I’ve no involvement in that. Did you realize that? Besides being the person, she barged in on at the office. I’m not the one pressing the charges. You see it’s the company who’s pressing the charges on my behalf. I’m the witness, nothing more.” “That’s crazy. You own Belgrave Tech.” “Yes, I own controlling shares. But it acts as its own entity. Oh, Sabrina, dear. This is why Father took away your chances at controlling Belgrave Tech when he learned Jacqueline was buying your grades.” Maria had the nerve to roll her eyes.
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ We sat there as Josy came back in with coffee and tea. She looked like she was about to explode with her emotions. Confusion, excitement, anger, and frustration all played over her face. She didn’t hide it from me, but she held it back. Josy noticed my control over the situation. “Fine Sabrina let’s sit down with some coffee and listen to this. Then we’ll talk about it, feel about it, and then what we’ll do about it. We knew she’d screwed me over, but surprise! When you hear what she’s done to you! Oh boy! Just listen.” “Just play it.” I couldn’t help it. I had to set up the situation for her. Sort of prepare her for what she should expect. Sabrina did not know what awaited her. Jake’s investigator had found an audio file Jacqueline was using to blackmail the arsonist with. [What about your daughter? Should I wait for her to leave before I start?] [No, I don’t care where she is.
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ I sat on David Hargrove’s lap and poured him champagne as I listened to him plot with his assistant. They intended to wage war on a rival company I knew. David expected no one to lead the firm when the owner died. He crowed to Jake, his assistant, about having signed contracts today that sealed his control. I didn’t listen to too much. I’ve learned I’ve no role in his business and no influence. He’s oblivious to his mistake. It’s pointless to speak. Everything’s lost, including David. “Jake, I hope Sabrina received her copy of the contract. We’ll discuss the announcement another time. Old Belgrave just needs to put his other foot in his grave.” David said. Jake nodded, and they laughed in enjoyment of their plot. While I died a slow death on the inside. “Then the competition will end. She’ll sign Belgrave Tech over. Then, I won’t need her, and my family’s screwed.” David Hargrove dragged me to this club. He’d insisted he needed t
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ “Are you there, Miss Belgrave?” Mr. Edwards asked. Oh, God, my father’s dead. I’m alone. There’s no one coming to save me. No apologies. No redemption. He’s gone. How do I mourn someone I hate yet loved? It hurts. I blinked at the phone as my senses returned. “Oh, yes. I’m here. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting this.” My voice breaks. I can’t cry and damage my makeup. I must return to the club. The bouncers won’t let me in if I’m a mess. “Miss. Belgrave you have an appointment with me at nine tomorrow morning and your presence is mandatory.” His words were firm, yet urgent, as if it wasn’t a choice. This call and his other attempts at calling me over the last month made no sense. How had he found my number? Until tonight, I never answered him. “Why? I was disinherited years ago. You need to check your records.” I wouldn’t be doing anything without assurances there weren’t mistakes. There’s no way I’ll be the famil
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ Outside cabs waited for clubgoers. I gave one the address of the condo David maintained for me and sat back. That’s my last glimpse of David. With my other phone, I dialed a number. “Hi, Josy love. Can I still stay on your sofa for a few nights?” “Maria hon. My door’s always open for you. Stay as long as you need. Did he kick you out? Or did you leave him? No, you can tell me when you arrive.” A female voice said. “It’s worse Josy. I need a friend. Who’s willing to help. When I say I need a big favor it’s an understatement. Yeah, we’ll talk. You can say no. If you don’t want to help. I’m just running out of options.” “I’ll have tea ready. Girl, you know I’ll help you hide the body.” Josephine (Josy) Soaper’s been my best friend since I left home. I cried again. It’s too much. My body turned icy as I accepted my father’s death. I’d never fix things with him. If I screw up, I’m on my
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ I watched Maria walk through the crowded club. “Come back, or I’ll replace you, Maria Bell. You aren’t the only sweet, little, nothing around here.” I shouted over the music. Damn it, this was wrong. I threw my glass in anger. Fuck, the predatory gold-diggers were circling the VIP section already trying to get my attention proving my point. I knew they couldn’t compare to my Maria, my Angel Bella. Maria’s like no other. Tonight, she irritated me. Contradicting me like that was a mistake. Taking phone calls. Leaving my side without my permission. Excessive drinking and the crying. What did she have to cry about? How dare she act out on my dime? “Jake, what’s your take?” I discovered with disgust; Maria had drained the champagne. I ordered another. When it arrived, it was different. “Maria? It’s not my place to comment David.” Jake didn’t look up from his phone. I frowned at him. He’d not used it all evening.
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ The limousine stopped before the building. My mind reeled thinking that she’d left. Our contracts weren’t over until I said so. I’d remind her of that as I disciplined her. Also, what did she know about Sabrina. The car hadn’t stopped before I’m getting out. I waved off my guards and driver. I entered without them. They didn’t need to see this. The building’s secure anyway. The doorman rushed to hold the door. In the elevator, the doors closed, and I gave him a sheepish smile and a wave. All I want is to speak with Maria. My behavior doesn’t matter, I own the building. I’m going nowhere. Maria doesn’t understand she’s not leaving. She’s my perfect lover. I’ve never met a woman like her. Her drawbacks are she’s a gold digger and has no pedigree. If it were different I’d have married her the first time I had her. But after the scandal I need a wife with a pedigree to satisfy my family. What I want doesn’t matter.
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ I entered Josy’s apartment, and she kicked my luggage aside. Josy ignored my bags and studied me with a horrified look. I must’ve been crying. Damn it. No one’s allowed to say I can’t tonight. I just lost my father and left the man I love. I’m considering living on the streets or battling with my stepfamily for a fortune I unprepared for. No one wants me back, so I’m on the fence. Do I risk everything again and fight? If so. How? It’s not realistic. “There you are. Are you okay?” Josy asked. She ushered me into the kitchen and pushed me into an old kitchen chair. She stood there in a pair of pink fuzzy slippers and a blue nightgown with a sleep mask perched on her head. “Did I wake you?” I felt horrible when I realized I’d woken Josy. I was about to cry again when she interrupted. “No, you don’t. No more crying. You didn’t wake me. So, don’t worry. Let’s have tea. Then we’ll talk.” Josy poured two cups and set one befo