Page 28 of Tangled in Temptation

I clenched my jaw. Regina’s attempt to belittle Catherine was meant to get under my skin. I had to keep my cool. This was about getting Paisley. “This is not about Catherine. It’s about Paisley’s well-being.”

Regina scoffed before giving a condescending laugh. “Well, Timothy, I’ve been her mother for far longer than your precious Betty-the-Builder. I know what’s best for Paisley. Do you really think my daughter is for sale?”

Anger flared within me. “You’ve used her trust fund for your own selfish desires, Regina. This isn’t about taking care of Paisley. It’s about your own lifestyle, your own needs. I do think you are for sale, and that’s who I’m buying.”

She leaned back in her chair, a smug satisfaction in her eyes. “Paisley deserves the best, and I’m going to make sure she gets it.”

I shook my head. I was so tired of this game with her. “This has to stop, Regina. You’re exploiting our daughter’s future for your own gain. It’s unacceptable.”

Regina crossed her arms and glared at me. “You’re not going to dictate how I take care of Paisley. I’ve sacrificed a lot for her, and I won’t let you ruin that. She’s my daughter. Quit calling her yours.”

“I’m not trying to ruin anything. I just want what’s best for Paisley. If you genuinely care about her, you’ll think about her future, not just your present.”

Regina’s eyes narrowed, a calculated look in her gaze. “What’s best for Paisley is staying with me. She needs her mother.”

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the tension building within me. “You’re only causing her pain and suffering.”

She leaned forward, her eyes searching mine for any sign of weakness. “I won’t let you take Paisley away from me. She’s my daughter, and I’ll fight for her.”

The realization hit me that this battle was far from over. Regina was determined to maintain control, to cling to the remnants of a life we had once shared. It was time to play dirty.

“Leave Paisley with me, or I take you to court over breach of contract in regard to her trust fund.”

She chewed her lip, considering my offer.

“I know you’re getting divorced,” I told her. “Wells is going to take you for everything you have. You should take the money and run while it’s on the table. You’ll end up broke and alone if you try to push this.”

Regina smiled coyly. “I’ve missed our passionate fights. Remember how we used to make up afterwards?”

She downed the rest of her martini and got to her feet. “I’ll consider your offer.”

She walked out of the apartment, leaving me feeling like I needed a shower. I couldn’t believe I had ever loved her.

Chapter Thirteen

Catherine

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I READ ONE EMAIL AFTER another. They were all potential clients interested in my restoration work. It was nice to be in such demand. I was looking forward to picking the job that appealed to me the most. None were as grand as the Manor, but I knew that job was a one in a lifetime opportunity. It wasn’t going to happen again. But the little jobs meant a lot to the clients.

I was staring at the newest proposal, a quaint Victorian home from the late eighteen hundreds that needed a lot of love. Unfortunately, the house was in Virginia. I wasn’t really interested in traveling.

I was studying the pictures for a potential job when I heard my phone ringing. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw Bennet’s name flashing on the screen. That was unusual, but then I worried it might have something to do with Paisley.

“Hey, Bennet. What’s up?” I asked, my tone casual.

“Catherine, I hate to pressure you into doing anything, but have you decided whether you’re going to the charity gala in New York City?”

I blinked, honestly not having given the event much thought since Timothy mentioned it last time. “The gala? He was serious about that?”

“Very,” he replied. “I need to give him an answer. I know it would mean a lot to him if you did. This is one of Timothy’s favorite organizations.”

“Doesn’t he have someone else he can take?” I asked. “I’m not exactly the gala type. I’m sure he can find someone more appropriate to take.”

“More appropriate?” he questioned.

“You know, someone that’s part of his social circle. I am not.”