The Billionaire’s Secret Wife(69)

Now she was sitting across from him, eyes closed, arms crossed and chin down. But given the tension in her posture, he knew she wasn’t sleeping.

At first he’d assumed she was just tired from the trip…and of course the pregnancy. She could be moody from time and time, and it wasn’t a big deal. But she was shutting him out, and that he didn’t care for.

“Let’s have it. What are you upset about?” he asked.

She didn’t open her eyes. “Not upset. Trying to sleep.”

“You slept for over ten hours last night.”

“Pregnant women sleep a lot.”

“Not you. You never slept much anyway.”

She sighed and cracked one eye open. “Pregnancy changes you. Besides, it’s not like I have tons of work to do, so it’s better I figure out something else to occupy my time.” Her tone held an edge.

“If you’re bored, maybe you can do some volunteering. Pro bono work or...”

“Can’t take on anything like that. You never know when Highsmith will decide he needs me for something. And who knows? My current client might just get sued and actually need some genuine, honest-to-god legal help.” She got up. “I think I’m going to lie down. I have a headache.”

Justin watched her slip into the stateroom and reined in his temper. It would be ridiculous for him to confront her right now. Besides she might really not be feeling well. She was paler than usual, her manner subdued.

He checked his email and raised an eyebrow when he saw one from Pattington. The man had come through with information about Peggy Teeter.

Everything checks out. She has a mother in a cancer center. Lung cancer—bad, but treatable. Her father was a poet, and he lived in L.A. for two years when he was in his thirties. Details in the report (attached).

Justin scanned the report Pattington had sent. So Peggy really was Vanessa’s half-sister.

Glancing at the closed door to the bedroom, he dialed Peggy’s number.

“Hello?” came a tentative voice.

“Peggy Teeter?”

“Yes...”

“This is Justin Sterling, Vanessa Pryce’s husband. I want to arrange to have your mother’s cancer treatment taken care of.”

“Oh. Hi. I…didn’t realize she’d involve you.”

Justin frowned. What had she thought Vanessa would do? Take care of the matter on her own? He was her husband. “Can you send the details to my assistant?” He gave her the email address.

“Of course.” There was a pause. “Would you mind if we meet in person?”

Justin considered. “I have some time this afternoon, but it’ll have to be quick.”

“Sure. Do you mind if I pick the time and place? I’m returning to Provo to check up on my mother later today.”

“That’s fine.”

“Can I text you at this number?”

“Use this one.” Justin rattled off the public mobile number that he used with his executives and workers. “I’ll bring Vanessa as well.”

“No, please don’t. Thanks, Justin.” She hung up.

* * *

As soon as they arrived back at the condo, Vanessa changed into a casual dress and went out again. She didn’t think she could talk to Justin without losing control. The conversation between him and his mother echoed in her head. She’d overheard it from the living room; when he had emerged from the kitchen she’d pretended to be asleep instead of confronting him in his mother’s home. And now the things he’d said were simmering in her mind like a witches’ brew.

She spotted Felix the moment she entered the Starbucks near the office. She waved at him while standing in line to get a decaf latte, then went over to his table.

“What’s up? Hope it’s not an emergency,” he said. “I was surprised to get your call.”

“It’s not. You look good.” And he did, sitting there in his conservative, perfect-for-the-office suit. Bitterness spread in her heart. Unlike her, he had a career of his own, without anybody meddling in it.

“Can’t believe you’re still in town. I thought you’d be in Acapulco or somewhere by now.”

She forced a laugh. “Just because I have two weeks off doesn’t mean Justin does.” She leaned forward. “Hey, I know you’re busy, but I need to talk to you about something you said.”

He frowned. “Okay.”

“You remember how you said how that silly forty-hour work I was doing was more important than it looked?”

“Yeah…”

“What made you say that?”

He shrugged. “I heard rumors that the work had something to do with Sterling & Wilson. A couple of the secretaries were talking about it.”