Page 14 of Everyone’s a Liar

“I did,” Livia admitted, surprised that word had already gotten around. She’d just signed the paperwork last week.

Was her uncle keeping track of her? She quickly dismissed the thought. When had anyone in this family ever given a damn about her?

“It’s not easy to start a new business. You should be very proud.”

“It’s still a work in progress, but I’m hoping to expand by next year.”

“You plan to expand?”

The hint of censure in her uncle’s voice confused Livia. “Of course. Eventually I’ll add in the territory outside of New Orleans. Many families are looking for property just beyond the city limits to build new homes or even choosing rural towns where the school districts are smaller. If I can get a foothold, then I’ll hire a couple more agents to concentrate on those areas.”

“But surely …”

She narrowed her gaze as he deliberately allowed his words to trail away. “But surely what?”

“Traditionally, a woman of your age would be thinking about settling down and starting a family.”

His words didn’t bother her. Adrian wasn’t the first man to assume her priority in life was being a wife and mother. But even as her lips parted to inform him she didn’t intend to become a brood mare for any man, she hastily swallowed the words.

This was the perfect opportunity to discover more about Winston Durand. And his connection to the mysterious Jacob Pearson.

“You mean traditionally like Celeste?” she asked, hiding her annoyance behind a bright smile.

“I hope she will carry on the Benoit legacy,” he agreed.

“But they won’t be Benoits, will they?”

“They will still have the blood of the Benoits running through their veins.”

“Not really the same thing, though, is it?”

Adrian’s jaw knotted as he clenched his teeth. “It will be the joining of two prestigious families,” he managed to spit out. “We’re all pleased.”

Livia pursed her lips, as if searching her memories. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever met Winston. I hope he’s a nice guy. It doesn’t matter if he’s from a prestigious family or not if Celeste ends up unhappy.”

A portion of Adrian’s irritation eased. “He’s an intelligent young man with excellent manners and a good head on his shoulders. I’m sure Celeste will be very happy.”

Livia noticed he said nothing about him being nice. Obviously, that wasn’t a requirement to join the Benoit clan.

“What does he do? I assume he works?”

“Of course he does. He’s the CEO of his father’s car rental business that is spread through all fifty states, as well as the expansion he started when he was still in college to include yacht and jet rentals.”

“Impressive. I suppose he has to travel a lot?”

“Unfortunately, he’s gone more than he’s home,” Adrian agreed. “That’s why they are planning to live at the Willows after the marriage. Celeste will be more comfortable at home. And, of course, we’ll be here if she needs help with the children.”

“Ah, yes, the future children that will have the Durand name after they’re born,” she couldn’t resist pointing out in sweet tones even as she tucked away the knowledge that Winston could be gone for days or weeks with no one noticing.

“Did I hear my name?”

Livia jerked at the low voice that came from directly behind her. When had someone come into the room? And why had they deliberately crept up on her?

Whirling around, she found her cousin’s fiancé regarding her with a curious gaze. Up close, she could make out the finer details of his face. The heavy brow and bluntly carved features that were more average than handsome. And the dark eyes that studied her with a chilly intensity. As if he didn’t really like her. Or maybe it was just her imagination, she acknowledged.

Just as it might be her imagination that she was even more convinced that he’d been the stranger in her home with Jacob.

A shiver raced down her spine, but she forced herself to meet his steady gaze, relieved he didn’t do the usual male inspection of her curvaceous body.