Family Business by Vanessa Acton

Author:Vanessa Acton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Darby Creek, Family & Relationships, Fantasy, Fiction, Hi/Lo, High Interest, High-low fiction, Humor, Reluctant Readers, Royalty, Royalty, Royal, Royals, Romance, Family, Business, Family Business, Mel, Melissa, Novak, Suddenly Royal, Valmont, Vanessa Acton
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Published: 2018-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

5

When the auction ended, Jasper hastily signed some paperwork and arranged for their winnings to be delivered to Darnley Place later that day. While he was doing that, several people walked up to Mel and introduced themselves. They all seemed to know who she was—and they all seemed to want something.

One guy said he ran a fashion line and asked if she was interested in modeling. Before she could even answer, he gave her his card, saying, “One of the LePointe girls models for us, you know, and a couple of the Fontaines. But we’d love to have someone from the actual royal family in our ranks.”

One lady in charge of some charity foundation wondered if she would like to make a donation. Mel stammered out something polite about having to check with her dad first.

And then there was the guy who owned a newspaper. “I would be very interested in interviewing you for the Alaborn Star, Miss Novak. Just an informal conversation. A newcomer’s perspective on the inner workings of the royal family. I’d also be interested in taking a look at those letters you’ve just bought, if you’d be willing to arrange that . . .”

At this point, Jasper was finally done with the paperwork. “If you’re looking for your next front-page story, I suggest you look elsewhere,” he said to the newspaper owner with surprising firmness. Then he turned to Mel.

“Let’s get out of here . . .”

But then Sir Reginald’s voice boomed out behind them. “Jasper! May I have a word?”

Jasper and Mel both turned to see Sir Reginald glowering at them.

“Yes, Dad?” Jasper said, his voice cracking with nervousness. The confidence he’d shown when he brushed off the newspaper owner vanished instantly.

“I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise to you, Jasper, that your grandmother sent me here specifically to buy those letters. I’d appreciate it if you would turn them over to me now.”

“Uh, sorry, did I miss something?” said Mel. “Last time I checked, I bought the letters.”

Sir Reginald ignored her. “They belong in our family vault, Jasper. They’re your grandfather’s private correspondence. Your mother would be mortified if her father’s personal life was splashed all over the tabloids.”

“Who said anything about tabloids?” Mel blurted out. “These people have been dead for ages, haven’t they? Why would gossip columnists care about their letters?”

Sir Reginald gave her a stony look. “Young lady, clearly you don’t understand the stature of the royal family. My wife’s father was not merely the Duke of Rotherham. He was a prince—the son of a king, and the brother of a queen. His life may be over, but it will always matter to the citizens of this country.”

Mel fought the urge to roll her eyes.

Sir Reginald turned back to Jasper. “It is crucial that those letters be kept out of public view, Jasper. To preserve your grandfather’s reputation and your mother’s peace of mind.”

“But—” Mel started to protest.

Sir Reginald cut her off. “This is absolutely none of your business, young lady.

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