Page 27 of Tangled in Temptation

“I don’t see how she could have gotten her hands on the money,” I said. “We agreed on the terms, signed the necessary documents.”

“Now she is exploiting it for her own selfish gain,” he said with a shrug.

“Damn it,” I muttered, the realization sinking in that Regina was blowing Paisley’s financial security for her own interests. It was a betrayal that cut deep. Far deeper than the cheating and countless other betrayals. I couldn’t stand by while she manipulated everything we had put in place for our daughter’s well-being. Only someone as selfish and shallow as Regina would steal from her own daughter.

“I’ll get to the bottom of this,” I vowed, my fists clenching on the table between us. “She can’t just blow through Paisley’s future like it’s play money.”

Mr. Stevens nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with understanding. “I know it’s not what you want to hear, but you need to be prepared. This isn’t going to be an easy fight.”

“She was only supposed to use that money to pay for school needs and some college. Where did all of Regina’s money go?”

“I have no idea,” he said. “I only know what I know because people talk. It’s a big story. But you can’t tell anyone.”

“I have to find out how much money she’s taken from Paisley.”

After dismissing Mr. Stevens, I found myself standing in the middle of my apartment, staring at the city skyline and trying to come up with a solution to my problems. The first step was a conversation I didn’t want to have. Taking a deep breath, I dialed Regina’s number, the phone ringing as I waited for her to answer.

“Timothy?” She used the voice meant to be seductive. It only made my jaw clench and my blood boil.

“Can you come over? We need to talk.”

“Come over?” She laughed. “I can’t just hop in a cab and make it Sleepy Hollow by dinner.”

“I’m at my apartment,” I muttered.

“Oh. I had no idea you were in town.”

“I am.”

“Did you bring my daughter?”

“No, if you were on speaking terms with her, you would know she’s on a trip with friends.”

“Fine. I’ll be there when I can.”

That was her way of controlling the situation. Within the hour, she arrived. As she stepped inside, I noticed the way she assessed the apartment. It was like she was evaluating the value. In fact, that was exactly what she was doing.

“Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?” She smiled and put her purse on an end table. “This place is very, well, very boyish. It’s missing the feminine touch.”

“You might have noticed I am a boy,” I replied. “Pour your own drink.”

She laughed as she sauntered toward the bar, browsing the selection of bottles before mixing herself a very dry martini.

“What’s this about, Timothy?” Regina asked. “Are you prepared to talk about my daughter?”

I motioned for her to sit, opting for a straightforward approach. “Actually, I wanted to talk about Paisley’s trust fund.”

Regina narrowed her eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. “What about it?”

I took a moment, collecting my thoughts to avoid coming on too strong. I was pissed, and she knew it. “I’ve learned that you’ve been dipping into Paisley’s trust fund. Apparently, you’ve been enjoying a very lavish lifestyle in Europe with her money. Money I put aside for her and her alone.”

Regina gave me a defiant look. “That trust fund is as much mine as it is hers. I need the money to take care of the girl, to give her a proper life.”

I could accuse her of all kinds of things, but that wouldn’t get us anywhere. She had no remorse. Regina didn’t have a conscience. She could care less if someone called her selfish or self-absorbed. Regina only cared about Regina.

“If you want to take care of Paisley, then take the money and leave her with me. I can provide for her, ensure she has a stable and secure future. You can have the whole thing. Just sign her over to me.”

Regina’s gaze bore into mine, a smirk playing on her lips. “So you can play house with Paisley and Betty-the-Builder?”