The Billionaire’s Secret Wife(54)
She nodded.
“You know you can come to me any time there’s a problem, right? I’m always here, always got your back. Don’t let Justin intimidate you.”
“Do I look like the ‘easy to intimidate’ type?”
“You don’t know him the way I do. He looks all nice and cool, but if you’re in the way of what he wants, he has no problem crushing you. He learned from the best.”
True. Barron Sterling had a terrible reputation in that regard. “I can handle Justin. And if I need help, I have your number.”
“Good.” He gave her an extra-tight hug. “There’s my car. Talk to you soon?”
She nodded and watched her brother leave with Jane. Then her mother came out—sans Salazar—and strode toward her rapidly.
“Oh, good you’re still here.” She gave Justin a quick smile. “Do you mind? I need to steal Vanessa for a moment.”
Ceinlys led Vanessa off a small distance and lowered her voice. “We already spoke about your marriage, so I won’t repeat what I said. Something occurred to me just now, and I thought you should be aware.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve been getting some odd calls. You probably will too.”
“What do you mean?”
“You just married one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the world. People will try to use you to get to him.”
Vanessa gaped at Ceinlys. “Seriously? Do we know anybody that crass?”
Ceinlys sighed. “It is simply impossible to underestimate some people’s behavior. Anyway, I need to say good-bye to Mark and Hilary. I just rushed out to catch you.” She gave Vanessa two air kisses, waved at Justin and slipped back into the restaurant.
Vanessa walked slowly back to Justin, who put an arm around her. “Your family has a lot of secrets.”
“They’re just worried.”
“I will make you happy.”
A small pang in her heart. Not because she didn’t think he was lying, but she didn’t think he realized how empty such promises were at the end of the day. Would he believe her if she told him her father had vowed the same to her mother? And just look at how the dinner had just turned out. “I don’t think that’s what they’re worried about.”
Finally the valet brought out Justin’s car. Just as she was about to walk inside, she stopped.
“What is it?” Justin said. “Do you feel sick again?”
“No.” She leaned forward, staring at a couple walking up the street toward them. The man’s hand rested against the small of his companion’s back, and the woman looked extremely familiar. As they passed under the light, her face was illuminated, and Vanessa gasped.
Justin looked at the couple. “Do you know them?”
“Yes. That’s Ginger Maxwell!”
“Ah…who?”
“Shane’s fiancée!”
Ginger was laughing at something the man said, her head tilted toward him in a comfortable, intimate way. Vanessa couldn’t believe this. How dare she!
Without even thinking, Vanessa ran down the street after them. She felt Justin follow.
“Hey!” Vanessa said. “You cheating scum!”
The man turned and stared. “Do I know you?”
“Not you. Her!” She pointed at Ginger.
The small blonde gaped. “Vanessa?”
“I would’ve never believed this if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. What the hell?”
The shock vanished from Ginger’s face. She put a hand on her hip. “Do you mind? I’m trying to have a nice evening out with my date here.”
“Oh my god, are you serious? You’re engaged to my brother!”
“I’m completely not engaged to your dickhead of a brother. He dumped me five months ago.” She turned to her date. “Really, I’m not engaged to anyone. I swear.”
Vanessa’s jaw slackened. “What? How… He contacted you?”
“No, like an idiot I went to see him. After I didn’t hear from him for weeks, I might add.” Something dark and painful flickered in her eyes, then died as she tightened her fists. “I’d waited since forever, and he acted like he didn’t even know me! So I’m moving on, because you know what? Shane’s not the only man out there.” Ginger linked fingers with her date. “Now if you’re just all done jumping to conclusions, we have a movie to catch.” They turned and walked off.
Justin put a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”
Vanessa stared after the two. “I don’t get it.” Her mind felt blank. “They were so in love.” Was love not enough after all?