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.”

suddenly, “can I ask

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Chapter 71

“Of course, sweetheart. Anything.”

you really think Blair’s accident was just an accident? I mean, she said some weird things lately about feeling like someone

several seconds. Blair could practically hear Peter

of things?” he asked finally, and

But she said she thought someone was watching her. And there was that thing with that car almost running her over and

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

said, backing off. “It’s just hard to accept that it was all so

Longer this

things just happen to good people.” Peter’s voice was almost philosophical. “Your parents‘ plane crash, Blair’s accident–there’s no rhyme or

felt sick. The casual way he mentioned their parents‘ deaths, like they were just another example of

right,” Sutton said quietly. “It’s just so hard. We

and you have your aunt and

this together, just like we did after your parents

they had not supported them at all. They had been the reason why she and her sisters were where they were today. It was because of

saw Roman’s jaw clenched so tight

you think our parents

would. Your parents always knew that money wasn’t everything. They’d be proud that you girls have stayed strong, even after… well, even after all the

debts?” Keira asked. “The

things really were. But we got through it.” Peter’s voice held a note of satisfaction that made Blair’s

looked like she was going to be sick. And Keira was staring at the phone like it was a

right,” Sutton managed. “We’ve learned to

making your own

get married,” Keira said softly. There really were tears in Keira’s

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

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Chapter 71

scream at his casual dismissal of her

speak at the funeral?

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