Chapter 16
If that was the case, Kylie would be playing a dangerous game. And Trevor would be the unwitting other man with a ring on it.
Trevor wasn’t the type to make accusations without proof, “Haven’t a clue,” he admitted.
“III look into it,” Zach promised, ready to uncover the truth.
Trevor simply nodded, his mind already on the next move.
Kylie had been going non–stop since breakfast, and by lunch, Liam had brought in a feast that could’ve fed a small army.
The shop was usually manned by Liam and a young guy named Kevin Roth, fresh off the high school graduation.
Kevin wasn’t the bookworm type, so he’d jumped straight into the workforce. He had this uncanny ability to switch between languages, chatting up customers from all over the place with ease.
Liam paid him decently, and threw in free meals, but no housing. There were bonuses for showing up every day and for making sales,
Kevin was into live streaming, using his charm and good looks to sell products online. He had a solid fan base and had made a killing the day before with a single sale, raking in a hefty commission.
“Kylic, let’s grab some barbecue tonight, my treat!” Kevin said between bites of his lunch, trying to score an invite.
But before Kylie could answer, Liam gave him the side–eye, the universal sign for “not a good idea.” “She’s been working her fingers to the bone restoring those old paintings all day. She needs rest, not barbecue. And you, focus on your stream this afternoon. Try to sell off those new items we got in.”
Kylie just smiled, “I can’t tonight. I need to be with my family. They’re under the weather.”
Kevin’s face fell, but he tried to hide his disappointment. “Alright.”
“Once this painting is finished, I’ll take you both out for a barbecue feast, Kylie promised.
She was kind to him since he was her brother Hoard’s peer and would remind her of Hoard.
“Fine. Kevin’s spirits lifted for a moment, but then he remembered the boss would be there too. He had hoped for a one–on- one with Kylie.
He’d been surprised when he first saw her at the shop, working on the ancient paintings. He’d expected someone much older, but Kylie was stunning and dedicated.
She could sit there for hours, completely absorbed in her work. This was what his grandfather hoped he could manage. It was impressive, and she was a sight for sore eyes compared to the overdone looks he’d seen elsewhere.
Liam’s phone chirped, and he snatched it up with a smirk. “You’re kidding, right? I’ve got this kickass Renaissance landscape that’s been touched up so good you’d think it’s fresh off the easel. Just scored it a couple of days back.”
He paused, nodding. “Auction, yeah.”
“What? He wants that?” he continued.
Kylie, within earshot, put two and two together. That had to be the painting she’d handed over.
Liam’s face clouded over. “It’s not about the dough. I’ve already made a pact with the auction house. But hey, I’m working on two more Renaissance gems. How about I swing by that gentleman once they’re polished up?”
After a beat, it seemed like he got the thumbs up.
As he ended the call, Liam turned to Kylie with a gleam in his eye. “Kylie, what if I threw some extra green your way? Could you swing by earlier or hang around later to get this job done quickly? These Renaissance joints are flying off the walls.”
Kylie shot back without missing a beat. “What’s the raise look like?” She was okay with it as long as the money was enough.
D
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Chapter 16
30 K Liam replied, his tone confident. He’d seen her magic with the paintbrush, and it was the real deal. He was already picturing how to get her a gig at the auction house once these masterpieces were finished.
Kylie pondered it for a hot second and then gave a nod.
Kevin wanted to butt in, but the echo of his granddad’s warning kept him zipped up.
Samuel stormed in, his face a thundercloud after hearing Julie’s account of the call with Kylie. He smashed his water glass. down on the table, the water spilling out in a splash.
He shouted, “Great, she’s still denying using the card I gave her? I’ll have my assistant track the charges right now. Who does she think she’s dealing with? And she’s skipping out on the hospital, leaving Mel hanging. She’s a tangle of lies and I’m done
with her!
Julie was nursing a headache that had been there since yesterday. “No clue where she’s been. Not at Amanda’s place. If she gets into trouble and people find out she’s one of ours, we’ll be the talk of the town.”
“I’ll give her a ring, make her come home and make amends, Austin said, his face a mask of cold fury.
He’d never taken a liking to Kylie, his country–bred sister who couldn’t win their parents over like Melanie.
“It’s my fault, really. Please don’t be angry.” Melanie said, her voice barely above a whisper, her head hanging low.
Julie’s heart broke for her. “It’s not on you, honey. It’s all Kylie’s mess!”
Austin had Kylie’s number in his phone, but he’d never used it. The call went through instantly. He didn’t give Kylie a chance to speak, diving straight into lecturing mode.
He said, “Kylie, get your act together and apologize to everyone back home. We’re family, and we can work through this.”
Kylie was caught in gridlock, the world outside her car window a cacophony of honking. Austin’s scolding on the phone was the tipping point
“You’re insane,” Kylie grumbled before ending the call. She wasn’t the type to lose her temper, but the Lampard family’s high- handedness was too much.
The words echoed through the speakerphone, and an icy silence fell.
Austin’s expression soured even more. “What kind of discipline did she have growing up?”
“Look at the language! So unrefined! It’s just unbearable!” Julie muttered, her head in her hands.
Samuel and Austin shared a look, their faces clouded with anger.
Everyone was on edge, except for Melanie, who was secretly relishing the drama.
The interruption of Samuel’s phone was a surprise. He answered it.
“Mr. Lampard, I’ve looked into it. Your secondary card hasn’t been used at all,” the assistant said.
Samuel was shocked. “What are you saying?”
The assistant repeated the information, thinking there might have been a miscommunication.
Samuel was in disbelief. “You sure about the card number? There’s no way it’s clean.”
The news had Julie and Austin exchanging worried glances, while Melanie’s heart sank, realizing she’d forgotten to stop Samuel from checking the credit card.
SEND OUT
