23. Stuart
STUART
I should let go, but I don’t. Although she held up well, Brooke was understandably upset by the news of Mr. Champion’s death. Seeing that, my need to protect her immediately kicked in. If I’m honest with myself, she’s also a source of strength for me.
In reality, she’s quickly become more than that. I’m smitten with her. I thought being with her would get her out of my system. It did the opposite. After tasting her, holding her, having her, I may never be able to get enough, which is unsettling and confusing.
I’ve never felt this way about a woman. This has real relationship vibes, which was not in my plan.
I’m still enjoying the freedom my noble life allows.
As long as my dad is alive and the Earl of Sandridge, my responsibilities aren’t too great.
I travel, party with friends, and cut a few ribbons from time to time when Dad can’t.
That will all change when I take over as Earl.
Then my days will no longer be my own. That’s why I’m living life to the fullest now.
The weird thing is, I’m not sure my current life is making me happy. It can be lonely not having anyone to talk with about more serious issues, such as whether I’ll be able to fill my dad’s shoes when the time comes.
And I’ll admit that it gets old doing the club scene multiple nights a week, knowing that the women flirting with me and my friends are primarily after our money and the ability to say they spent a night with a royal or a noble.
That’s probably why Brooke made such an impression in the elevator. We had chemistry before she had any clue who I was. Then when she learned more about me, she pushed me away, which is more proof that she’s not like the women I typically meet. She’s so much . . . umm . . . so much more.
But I’d be a fool to give up my freedom before I become Earl, right?
Then why am I still holding Brooke’s hand as if she’s mine?
I’m royally fucked.
At the law firm, I ask for directions to the toilet and promise to meet Brooke in her office. From my last visit there, I remember it’s three doors down the hall on the right.
Reentering the hallway and walking toward her office, I hear Brooke talking to two of her colleagues.
My steps slow when a guy says, “So you think you’re hot stuff assigned to that Lord.
You’re not. It’s not even real legal work.
It’s just babysitting duty. Don’t think it will help you make partner.
If anything, it will do just the opposite. ”
My jaw clenches and fists close. I’d like to punch that little shit! He’s insulted both Brooke and me in one breath. I’ll tell him what he can do with his outrageous statements. In fact, I’ll make sure that arsehole is the one looking for a new job.
Before I can move closer, Brooke fires back. “Justin, we’re supposed to be a team, not competitors. And Lord Sandridge is our client. He’s asked for legal counsel, so that’s my assignment. Whether it helps my chances for partner or not is irrelevant.”
Another female voice says, “That’s why you don’t belong here. It is a competition. You’re just too na?ve to appreciate it. All the better for us.”
“Then you have no reason to worry about me. You can put your efforts into chasing off one of the other attorneys who’s more of a threat to you.”
“We’ll think about it. Have fun babysitting,” the woman says.
When the two emerge from Brooke’s office, I recognize them. It’s two of the three attorneys I met at the fundraising lunch. Our paths are set to cross as I move toward Brooke’s office.
Seeing me, they exchange a quick, smug look. I expect them to be embarrassed that I may have overheard their conversation with Brooke. Instead, they seem too self-absorbed to consider that there could be consequences for their words or actions.
Cutthroat doesn’t begin to describe those two. Clearly, they’re out to destroy Brooke’s confidence and tank her career to improve their own chances at this firm. I won’t let that happen.
I’m fuming but decide not to confront them as we pass. I don’t want to make it worse for Brooke until I can neutralize those bastards.
Hurrying into her office, I find her staring out the window hugging herself. I quietly close the door. She turns her head at the click but turns back to the view outside. I stride quickly to her and wrap my arms around her waist.
Pulling her back against my chest, I kiss the top of her head and whisper, “I heard what those arseholes said. It’s not acceptable. I won’t let them hurt you.”
“I try to ignore them. It’s hard somedays. And I can’t believe they insulted you as well. I’m so sorry you had to hear that.”
“Shh. You have nothing to apologize for. I already knew they were losers. I promise they will not succeed at their game of intimidation.”
“Don’t be so certain. They’ve already chased away several junior associates,” she adds, wiping a tear from her eye.
I gently turn her toward me. Lifting her chin with my index finger, I look her in the eyes as I say, “Trust me. I promise they will not win.”
She nods, hesitantly. “Thanks for your support. We better call your dad. The death of Mr. Champion is the priority now—not my out-of-control colleagues.”
“Are you okay joining me on the call? It’s not a problem if you want me to handle it alone.”
“I’m okay. We’re a team on this. But wait a minute. Isn’t it the middle of the night in London? Should we wait until morning his time?”
“No. He’ll be upset if he hears about this from someone else. I’ll call his mobile and put him on speakerphone.”
“Okay.”
After selecting Dad from my favorites, I set the phone on her desk. We both stand staring at it as we anxiously listen to the rings. She’s rubbing her arm. I’m massaging the knots forming in my neck. The last thing I want to do is upset my dad after his recent health scare.
After four rings, my dad’s sleepy voice answers, “Hello, son. What’s wrong?”
“Dad, I’m here with Ms. Bennett, one of the Foundation’s attorneys. How are you feeling?”
“Stuart, I’m fine. I know you didn’t wake me up at this hour with one of my attorneys to inquire about my health. Tell me what’s wrong before you give me a heart attack.”
I let out a deep sigh. “There was an unfortunate incident at the premiere. Mr. Champion passed away.”
“That is sad news. He’ll be sorely missed. I knew his heart condition would eventually be his downfall. I’d hoped it wouldn’t be so soon though.”
A heaviness settles on my shoulders, causing me to hesitate before continuing. I’m concerned that my next words will be detrimental to Dad’s recovery. Sensing my stress, Brooke rests her hand on my bicep.
I place my hand over hers, appreciative of her support as I say, “Umm. There’s a complication. It’s not clear that it was his heart. The authorities believe he may have been killed as part of a robbery at the premiere. You see, his Rolex is missing.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m sure there will be an investigation, but at this point, we must consider the possibility of foul play. That’s why we’re calling you at this time of night. How would you like to proceed with the remaining fundraising events here?”
“I see. This situation is rather sticky, isn’t it? What does Jason suggest? Does he want to cancel the masquerade ball?”
“We’re meeting with him tomorrow but wanted to give you the news first. At Jason’s insistence, we didn’t attend the afterparty tonight due to security concerns. He didn’t want to take any chances.”
“Yes. Yes. That makes sense. If he wants to go forward with the gala, additional security is a must.”
As tough as this situation is, I’m relieved to hear the renewed strength in Dad’s voice. He sounds like he’s well on his way to a complete recovery. With that in mind, I decide to share a little more about the current situation.
“Of course, Dad. And there’s one more thing. This is the second event where an expensive piece of jewelry disappeared. Ms. Bennett’s black pearl necklace went missing at the fundraising luncheon. We assumed the clasp broke and caused the necklace to fall off. Now, it’s not so clear.”
When I see the sadness shade Brooke’s features, I hate myself for bringing it up. I reach my arm around her shoulders, lending her my warmth and comfort.
Concern emanating from his voice, Dad says, “Ms. Bennett, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. I’m sorry it’s under such difficult circumstances. Please accept my apologies for the loss of the necklace. If it’s not found shortly, we’ll take care of it.”
I guess this is the first time Brooke has spoken with my dad.
I assumed she’d met him before since she was assigned to work with me this week.
No wonder she seems a bit nervous. I should have explained that my dad, while formal, is still approachable.
It’s too late now, so I give her shoulder a squeeze and a light peck on the top of her head.
“Sir, oh, I mean, Lord Sandridge, it’s a pleasure to speak with you as well. No apology is necessary. It was a gift from my late aunt. Its value to me was sentimental. It’s not about the money.”
I hear a touch of nerves in Brooke’s sad, but respectful words. I’m also further impressed. Brooke never ceases to amaze me with the way she puts people and sentiment before money. She’s nothing like the superficial women who normally surround me.
“Dad, we still hope the necklace will be found. But I have another question. You seemed concerned about the events to promote the movie. You never said why. Could you explain your concerns now?”
“I’m regretting not saying more, but I’m not sure it would have changed anything.
I’ll share what I know though. There have been some threats against the Foundation.
We assumed they were from groups wanting to squash the movie premiere.
Some are concerned that the solution will be extremely expensive, resulting in tax increases and unwanted limitations on farmers.
The problem was that the threats were so generic that we had no way to protect against them.
Still, we have no way of knowing if these incidents in Los Angeles are related to the threats or even to each other. ”
“I see. That’s why you warned me to watch my back.”
“It is.”
“I asked Brooke, I mean, Ms. Bennett to participate in this call in case you had any legal questions for her. Did you want to ask her anything?”
Her shoulders tense slightly as she focuses her attention on the phone, listening carefully.
“Yes. I do have a question. Ms. Bennett, am I correct that the governing documents for the Foundation allow the remaining Board members to choose Mr. Champion’s replacement?”
She nods, even though Dad can’t see her, as she answers, “Yes, sir. That is the procedure. If there is a tie, then you cast the deciding vote.”
“Thank you. I’ll have more questions later. That’s all for now. I appreciate your help. And son, remember, stiff upper lip and all.”
“Of course. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
And speaking of stiff, I ask, “Brooke, will you join me in my suite for a stiff drink? I doubt either one of us wants to be alone right now.”
“I shouldn’t.”
“That wasn’t the question. The question is will you join me?”