The Playboy Prince Of Scandal by Susan Stephens

Author:Susan Stephens [Stephens, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
Published: 2020-12-04T18:24:20+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

CURIOUS TO HEAR MORE, Sofia continued with her explanation. ‘To start with, it seemed as if fate had dropped an opportunity into my hand. ‘Writing “a piece of fluff” for the features page was how Lord Blake put it. It seemed such a good opportunity to bring in much-needed money to support the expansion of my retreat.’

‘Easy money?’ Cesar challenged. ‘There’s no such thing. You should have been suspicious right away.’

‘It’s easy to be wise in retrospect,’ Sofia argued, ‘but when you’ve spent months casting about for ways to keep things running, you’re open to any idea that seems remotely feasible.’

‘Writing an article exposing the antics of the super-rich seemed feasible to you?’

‘That wasn’t how I phrased it. There was no mention of “super-rich”. I wrote about humorous incidents that happened on the world tour. None of them were scandalous or libellous. I certainly didn’t depict you as an “elitist degenerate”, which was one of the descriptions used. What I wrote made you and my brothers seem approachable. It was supposed to make people laugh, not cause trouble.’

‘Blake couldn’t have doctored the piece without your ready supply of facts,’ Cesar pointed out.

‘But that’s just it. Some of those facts I didn’t even know. How could I? I don’t have access to your diary. So now do you see why I need your help?’

As Cesar’s thoughtful gaze rested on her face, she felt a great sense of weariness at her seemingly endless attempts to try to explain what had happened. Why wouldn’t he take her at her word? She’d never knowingly told a lie, and had believed that as soon as she opened up, Cesar would believe her.

It didn’t take much for weariness to turn into anger. Staring at Cesar’s back as he made his way home was the final straw. Catching up, she stood grim-faced in his way. ‘At least have the courtesy to let me know what you think.’

Lifting her aside, he moved on.

‘I expect a fair hearing, and all I get is ignored? How do you expect anyone to stop Howard Blake if you turn your back and walk away?’

‘I’m not ignoring you, but this is not the time,’ he said, striding on.

‘Not the time?’ She caught up. ‘What do you mean? What else is going on?’

At least he stopped walking.

‘You’re the only person I know who wields as much power as Howard Blake,’ she pressed. ‘Maybe more. Definitely more. If anyone can stop him, you can. Cesar, if your back was to the wall, wouldn’t you do anything to make things right?’

‘I’ve never been in that position.’

‘I’m glad, but please have sympathy for those who aren’t so lucky. I have to believe you can stop Blake hurting anyone else.’

She was puzzled when he didn’t answer. ‘Is there something you’re not telling me?’

‘It was a very different situation. A member of my family was under attack.’

Lifting her chin, she braced herself and ignored the sting. ‘Family loyalty is paramount to me too, which is why I would never intentionally hurt my brothers.

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