‘They’ve been ignoring my calls,’ she said with a sigh.
‘Bastards.’
‘You’re angry?’
‘Aren’t you?’
‘Well, yes, of course.’
‘I cannot see any God-given reason you should require your husband to collect your own financial documents,’ he responded curtly, his anger obviously not directed at her.
Olivia’s heart skipped a beat. His support was something she hadn’t known she needed.
‘I know financial independence is your goal and I’m sorry I’ve had to be involved in obtaining this information—however, these files contain everything you’ll need to know about your family’s business affairs. The money that is now yours, how it is invested, as well as other investments that will pass to you.’
Olivia blinked, her stomach twisting.
‘There is also information pertaining to your sister’s inheritance.’
‘Thank you.’
His eyes narrowed, darkening. ‘Don’t thank me, Olivia. You should never have needed me, for any of this.’
Her heart swelled. ‘But it’s not your fault that I did. And I am grateful to you, Luca.’
His mood didn’t improve and warmth spread through her. It was a sign of his decency and loyalty that he was so incensed.
‘Please, have a look.’ He gestured to the files. ‘I will be working over here, and am happy to answer any questions you have. Alternatively, I have the name of an excellent financial advisor, and can put you in touch. Just let me know.’
He nodded curtly, all business, so she wanted to start removing her clothing, piece by piece, to jolt him back to the intimacy they shared, the heat that exploded between them. And yet, how could she overlook this gesture? He was making everything as easy as possible for her. Right down to offering help without presuming she’d need it. He wasn’t mansplaining things to her, but rather allowing her to find her own feet, waiting until she asked for assistance, but letting her know it would be freely given. It was the perfect gesture, and she was touched, right to the centre of her core; even, she feared, to the centre of her heart.