Since they’d left the bridal suite, she’d become like a robot. She smiled, she went through the motions, but her dark eyes were dead. He wasn’t sure what would happen when she couldn’t hold in her emotions any longer. But he knew it wouldn’t be pretty.
Fortunately, they were able to lose themselves in the smiles, handshakes and hugs of the receiving line. After that, the reception should be fairly short. With little notice, Scarlet and Ariella had only been able to arrange a catered hors d’oeuvres and cocktail reception. No band or dancing, no five-course sit-down dinner. Just an hour or so of mingling and cake, and then everyone would be on their way. It should be fairly simple to get through it without drama.
The last few guests came through the line and Liam and Francesca were able to leave their stations. He put his arm around her waist and leaned into her. “Are you okay?” he whispered.
Her wary eyes looked to him and she nodded. “I’m just a little overwhelmed.”
“Do you want me to get you a drink?”
“Yes,” she said with emphasis. “Please.”
Liam left her side to get them both something from the bar. He was returning with a glass in both hands when he caught an unwelcome sight out of the corner of his eye. Hayden Black and Angelica Pierce were chatting. No, that wasn’t the right word. They were having a discussion that verged on heated, if Angelica’s stiff posture and tight mouth were any indication. What was she thinking, having a conversation with the investigator out to prove she was guilty? This couldn’t be good.
As far as Liam knew, Angelica hadn’t been called to testify before the congressional committee about the hacking scandal. He assumed it was because Hayden hadn’t been able to piece together the details of her involvement. Or at least, to prove it. The suspicion of her guilt was nothing Liam could act on. He needed hard evidence to fire her, and if Angelica was involved, she had been very, very careful. She wasn’t stupid. She was a ruthless, cunning reporter willing to do nearly anything to get the big story. He appreciated her ambition. But not her moral code.
Secretly, he hoped Hayden would find what he needed. Liam was nervous running ANS with Angelica still in his employ. He needed a reason to cut her loose permanently.
Their discussion was getting a little more animated. Liam searched the room for Ariella and Scarlet, but he didn’t see them or the security they’d hired. He might have to intervene on this situation himself. Francesca’s drink would have to wait.
As Liam got closer to them, he could hear what they were saying a little better. They were trying to speak quietly, but their passions were getting the best of them. At least, Angelica’s were. Hayden was always very calm and collected.
“I find it laughable that people seem to think you were behind this whole thing,” Hayden said. “As though the peroxide-bleached brain cells you have left could plan something more intricate than what kind of shoes to wear with what outfit.”
A flush of anger rose to Angelica’s cheeks. Her eyes narrowed at Hayden. She didn’t notice Liam approaching them because she was so focused on their argument. “You think you’re so smart, Hayden, but I’m not going to fall for your tricks. Is calling me a dumb blonde the best you’ve got? I expected better of you. All men see is what women want them to see. The hair and the makeup and the clothes blind you to the truth. But don’t let appearances fool you. We may have the same hair color, but I’m not sweet and pliable like your precious Lucy. I earned my place at the company. It wasn’t because my stepfather owned the network.”
Liam expected Hayden to take offense at the insults Angelica was levying at his fiancée, but it didn’t seem to faze him. “Yes,” he agreed, “but Lucy has something you’ll never have no matter how hard you work or how many people you trample.”
Angelica nearly snorted with contempt. “And what’s that? The love of a man like you?”
“Nope. Her daddy’s undying affection. She’s the beautiful little girl he always wanted. The one he raised as his own. He bought her ponies and went to her ballet recitals. He got her a convertible on her sixteenth birthday. I bet it breaks his heart that he’ll be in jail and can’t walk Lucy down the aisle when we get married.”
Angelica stiffened beside him, but she brushed off his words with a shrug of indifference. “So what? Her stepfather spoiled her. Am I supposed to be jealous of her for that?”
“No. But you might be jealous because he didn’t have to bribe people to keep Lucy a secret. He wasn’t embarrassed of her.”