Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Sutton stared at her phone for another ring before answering, putting it on speaker as Keira had requested.

“Uncle Peter?” Sutton’s voice was perfectly pitched. It was shaky, like she’d been crying.

“Sutton.” Peter’s voice came through the speaker, and Blair felt her skin crawl at the fake concern in his tone. “I just heard about Blair. I’m so sorry, honey. How are you and Keira holding up?”

Blair watched her sisters‘ faces. Sutton had gone pale, and Keira was gripping the arms of her chair so tight her knuckles were white,

“We only found out a little while ago ourselves and didn’t get a chance to call… we’re not doing well,” Sutton managed. “I can’t believe she’s gone. It happened so fast.”

“I know, sweetheart. I know. Your aunt and I tried to get to the hospital, but they said…” Peter’s voice trailed off. “They said she’d already been moved to the morgue.”

“The doctors said her brain started swelling during the night,” Keira jumped in, her voice thick with manufactured grief. “They couldn’t stop it.”

“Oh, girls. I’m so sorry. Blair was so young, so full of life.” There was a pause. “Have you talked to Roman? How is he handling this? We didn’t have his number to call ourselves.”

Blair looked at Roman, who was studying the phone with cold eyes.

“He’s devastated,” Sutton said. “He loved her so much. We headed to his place the moment we heard. We are here now. He didn’t want to be alone, and neither did we.”

“Of course, of course. You girls shouldn’t be alone at a time like this.” Peter’s voice was getting smoother now, more confident. “What about arrangements? The funeral?”

“We haven’t… we don’t know what to do,” Keira said, and Blair was impressed by how broken she sounded. “We’ve never had to plan anything like this before.”

“Don’t worry about that. Your aunt and I will help with everything. Blair deserves a beautiful service.” Peter paused. “I hope you girls aren’t worrying about money right now. I want to let you know we will cover everything.”

Blair felt Roman’s hand tighten on hers.

“No, it’s ok Peter,” Sutton said quietly. “Roman wants to pay for everything.”

“Of course, yes, I should have thought. You girls are strong, just like your parents were.” His voice was gentle, paternal. “And remember, your aunt and I are here to help however we can. Within reason, of course.”

“What do you mean, within reason?” Keira asked.

“Well, it’s just a saying, of course. I didn’t mean anything by it. The business is doing well because of my investments.”

Blair wanted to throw something. How dear he. This man stole from them and most likely killed their parents to get hold of their money. As far as Blair was concerned, he could keep the money if only they could have their parents back.

Sutton said, her voice hollow, “We’re lucky Roman will cover everything. We can’t afford much these days.”

“I know. But that’s all behind us now. The important thing is giving Blair the send–off she deserves.” Peter’s voice was casual now, almost cheerful. “She may not have had much in the end, but she had love.”

Keira said suddenly, “can I ask

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Chapter 71

“Of course, sweetheart. Anything.”

just an accident? I mean, she said some weird things lately about feeling like someone was

line went quiet for several seconds. Blair could practically hear

asked finally, and his

was that thing with that car almost running

engagement to Dan and then getting engaged to Roman.” Peter’s voice was smooth again, but Blair caught the undertone of

“It’s just hard to accept that it was all

pause. Longer this

people.” Peter’s voice was almost philosophical. “Your parents‘ plane crash, Blair’s

he mentioned their parents‘ deaths, like they were just

Sutton said quietly. “It’s just

and you have your aunt

through this together, just like

supported them at all. They had been the reason why she and her sisters were where they were today. It was because

clenched so tight

Peter,” Sutton said carefully, “sometimes I wonder… do you think our

money wasn’t everything. They’d be proud that you girls have stayed strong, even after… well, even

Keira asked.

things really were. But we got through it.”

around the room. Roman’s face was murderous. Sutton looked like she was going to be sick. And Keira was staring at the phone like

Sutton managed. “We’ve learned

well you’ve done! Blair found love with Roman. You girls are making your own way in the world…” Peter’s voice was filled with fake

to see Blair get married,” Keira said softly. There really were

now…” Peter trailed off. “Well, no point in dwelling

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Chapter 71

to scream at his casual

“will you speak at the funeral?

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