Sure enough, my phone rang just as I had that thought,


    This was beyond awkward.


    Cole’s mouth twisted into a mocking smile. “Guess you don’t trust me, huh? So why bother messing


    with me?”


    I didn’t have a good answer for him.


    He took a step back. “Let’s just pretend we don’t know each other from now on.”


    Then he got into his car and took off, leaving me standing there as the wind whipped at my clothes


    and tangled my hair.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Wow. This guy could change his mood in a split second. Ten minutes ago, he was all about his


    feelings and wanting to pursue me. And now, one phone callter, he’s throwing a fit?


    But maybe it was for the best. At least now I wouldn’t have to worry about him chasing after me or


    causing any more drama.


    As Cole drove off, I nced again at the locked gates, wondering who Thorsten’s important guest


    could


    be


    Was it Matthew?


    The thought made me pause before I called Lindey.


    “Rea! I was just about to call you!” she said, not even letting me get a word in.


    I can only asked, “Everything okay?”


    “Let’s have lunch together. You know, that ce we used to go all the time, Signature Soirée. Be


    there by eleven.” Her tone made it clear this wasn’t a request.


    I didn’t say no right away and went with it. “Is Matthewing too?”


    “He’s not,” Lindey said, totally chill. “He’s out and probably won’t be back untilter this afternoon.”


    Out all day?


    That was strange. Ever since he handed thepany over to Jace, Matthew hardly ever went out.


    “Did he go far?” I asked, pushing a little.


    “Nah, just meeting up with an old friend. They usually have tea and y chess when they hang


    out,” she


    said.


    My grip tightened around the phone. So I’d guessed right–Matthew was Thorsten’s important


    guest.


    I knew they were close, but this was getting moreplicated. The contract my dad left behind


    made sure of that.


    “Rea, did you need something from Matthew?” Lindey asked, snapping me back to reality.


    “No, I just thought it was a family lunch.”


    “What family lunch? Lindey scoffed. “We haven’t had one since you left.”


    I knew she didn’t mean to me me, but it still felt like my fault.


    I couldn’t exactly argue, but I wasn’t going to apologize either. I hadn’t done anything wrong.


    “You’ve got


    sighed.


    got toe. I haven’t seen you in forever, and there’s so much I want to talk about,” Lindey


    I felt trapped. If I went, she’d probably start spilling about Jace and Tanya. But as his ex, I wasn’t


    about to get involved.


    And I definitely didn’t want to be her emotional punching bag.


    “I’m not sure I can make it,” I said, still turning her down.


    “Are you nning to cut ties with mepletely? Since you left, I haven’t had a single good night’s


    sleep or a proper meal. Today, can’t you just be my daughter and have lunch with me?” Lindey


    guilt–tripped me hard.


    I


    How could I say no to that? I sighed, feeling cornered. “I’ll do my best toe,


    “I’ll be waiting for you,” she said, making it clear there was no backing out now.