The Billionaire Suspect (The Van Dyke Sisters 1)

Two months later . . . The Ladybird’s Summer Charity Gala at the New York Country Club was the first social event Catherine has attended since Bruce canceled their wedding. She had stayed in her room at her parents’ mansion for a week, not leaving her room at all because she was so distraught. She couldn’t go back to her condo even if she wanted to. The news of her canceled wedding had hit the society pages the day after the wedding was supposed to take place. Photographers had taken over the entrance to her condo building. Gossip reporters had been harassing the doormen at the building along with the condo building manager and HOA board. Even Catherine’s maid hadn’t been safe. They had found out who she was and who one of her employers were. They were all over her every time she had tried to enter the building through the service entrance. And if that wasn’t bad enough, three days later Bruce’s and Beverly’s marriage was announced in the newspapers

It was a madhouse. Photographers and TV and newspaper reporters occupied the steps of the courthouse. Lights flashed and questions were being shouted as Catherine, Phillip Whiting, Cameron, and his parents as they walked up the steps. One of the sleazy reporters shouted, “Catherine, how do you think you do with opening arguments under the mental distress of being dumped at the altar?” It was everything Catherine could do not to whirl around to correct the low moral sleaze. She wasn’t dumped at the altar. She was dumped the night before the wedding. Not necessarily the day of the wedding at the church. Then she wanted to say screw you for asking. Nevertheless, she had to keep her composure. Catherine was on her client’s time – not her own. The reporters and photographers continued to follow them up the stairs until they got to the doors. Cameron’s mother exhaled with relief once they were inside. Mrs. Townsend had red hair wit

A week later . . . Catherine was about to open a bottle of wine when the doorbell rang. She wasn’t expecting anyone. More than likely it was one of her sisters. They were the only ones who showed up unannounced. Catherine opened the door to – Ava Bartholomew. “Hi, Catherine. May I come in?” Ava chirped happily. She wore a tight shirt and blue jeans. She held a bag. “Ava,” Catherine said as she shook off the shock. “What are you doing here?” “I went by the mansion, thinking you were still staying there with your parents. One of your sisters told me you had returned to your condo and gave me the address.” “You didn’t answer my question.” “Is that popcorn I smell?” she asked as she gently yet quickly pushed past Catherine. Seriously? “Ah. I did smell popcorn. And I see you have a bottle of wine already opened. No matter. We can drink both bottles,” Ava said as she pull

It was Saturday night, and Catherine was enjoying a glass of white wine. These were the moments she lived for now. Drinking some wine and watching television alone. The doorbell rang. “Who . . . could that be,” Catherine slurred as she stood up. She wobbled to the door and opened it. “Hey,” Ava sang and sashayed in. “Hey,” Catherine mimicked and closed the door. “I came here to invite you out for drinks, but I see you already have a head start,” she said as she picked up the empty wine bottle on the kitchen counter. “Yes. And I’m not dressed to go out.” Catherine had on a button-down shirt that was way too big for her. It had belonged to Bruce. He had left some of his clothes at the condo. “Well, change. I’ll wait. And I’m driving since you already got the party started.” Next thing Catherine knew, she was wearing a red skirt and a matching top with straps she had bought while s

It was almost noon when Catherine arrived at Cameron’s mansion. She rang the bell. She knew she had to be patient since Cameron didn’t have a household staff.Catherine had decided to take Chelsea’s advice. It was best not to let the ‘incident’ linger between them. Best to talk about it and then let it go.The door opened and Catherine was stunned.“Your eye,” she breathed as her hand flew to her chest.Cameron’s left eye was swollen shut. He gave her a little smile. “It looks worse than what it is. Please, come in.”Catherine crossed the threshold. “Are you sure –”“I’m fine.”“God, you can’t show up to court tomorrow afternoon looking like this. I’ll see if I can postpone the next session for a week. Do you think it will be cleared up by then?”“Mostly, I believe. At the very least it won’t be so obvious.”Catherine nodded. She felt terrible. If it wasn’t for her, he wouldn’t have a black eye, especially one this bad.“Let’s go in the study,” he said and began walking.Neither one