Riley’s Billionaire Read Online Free PDF Page B

Riley is certainly Irish.’ Amelia leaned against the back cushion of the chaise lounge. ‘Some welcoming committee for you, my dear. I was looking forward to meeting you, but I didn’t plan on this.’
    Riley rushed to reassure her. ‘Of course not. Did I cause this? Are you alright?’
    ‘I’m fit as a fiddle.’ Amelia touched Riley’s arm. ‘You remind me of someone, dear, so pardon me if I stare.’
    Jack wanted to hold them both, to assuage Riley of whatever guilt she might be feeling while also comforting Amelia just to assure himself she was okay.
    His thoughts raced. He was mad to have brought Riley here so soon. He should’ve taken his time, not rushed her into marriage. She wasn’t old enough, hadn’t enough experience to deal with what was about to happen. He could tell she was nervous. There was nothing he could do about it.
    Riley glanced about the room. ‘You have a lovely home, Mrs Fitzgerald.’
    ‘Amelia, and thank you.’
    Patrick arrived with the requested glass of water, which gave Riley an opportunity to rise and give Amelia more room. When she did, Jack pulled her to his side and slipped an arm about her, resting his hand on her hip. He could feel her body shaking beneath his touch as she sank against him for support, but he admired her for keeping up appearances with him,
    Once Amelia sipped her water, she made another decision. ‘Have one of the servants show Riley to your quarters, Jack. You, stay here. We have much to discuss.’
    Jack looked at Riley then back at Amelia. ‘What about the reception you wished to have?’
    ‘It’s scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, giving you plenty of time to settle in.’
    He was reluctant to have Riley dismissed so early, but he wasn’t surprised. When Amelia had something on her mind, it wasn’t long before she voiced it, and he’d seen the way she looked at his new wife. Amelia might be in her seventies, but she was sharp. If there was the slightest nuance that he and Riley weren’t as close as they appeared, Amelia would be the one to recognise it instantly.
    She emptied the contents of the glass then handed it back to her nephew. ‘Patrick, find something useful to do. I’d like to speak to Jack in private.’
    Amelia held out her hands for Jack’s assistance. ‘Let’s go out onto the verandah. You’ll want to smoke, I imagine, when you hear what I have to say.’ She chuckled as she stood and righted herself. ‘You’ll want a drink as well.’ She motioned for a butler and told him what to make and deliver to the verandah.
    Jack braced himself. Amelia detested smoking but allowed him the occasional cigarette without commenting. She enjoyed her wine, but if she was supplying him with scotch and cigarettes, whatever her agenda, it was important.
    He gave his wife a chaste kiss on the lips before she was taken upstairs and whispered in her ear. ‘Don’t worry, just go upstairs and relax. I’ll see you shortly.’
    Amelia now stood proudly, in control once again, as she led him outside.
    Jack pulled out her chair for her. ‘Do we proceed, or should I down my scotch first?’
    ‘Don’t be a smart-arse. I’ll get straight to the point.’ She levelled a steely stare. ‘How long did it take you to find her?’
    Jack coughed, nearly snorting the drink he’d taken. ‘My wife?’
    ‘My granddaughter.’ Amelia sipped her wine, but her hand shook. ‘Why else do you imagine I fainted? I’ve never fainted in my entire life.’ Her voice trembled. ‘She looks exactly like her mother, but then you wouldn’t know that, because I’ve never shown you my private photo album of my son and his family.’
    Jack had a moment of panic. ‘Has Patrick seen the photos? Or his father?’
    ‘What odd questions. I’m sure Brian has seen them; Joseph most likely showed him. But I doubt Patrick has set eyes on any of them. He’s lived with me since Joseph died and Brian moved back to Victoria, but...no. I’m sure Patrick wouldn’t know any of