Sudden loud knocks at the door announced another arrival. One of the cousins went out. The door opened and there was moment or two of murmured conversation. Then everyone heard a loud, “Let me in! I’m entitled to be here!”
Ethan tensed immediately. A few people stared at the entryway, their mouths slightly parted. Stella’s face lost all its warmth.
A tall man with dirty brown hair walked in. On his arm was a voluptuous blonde in hooker heels. At least she was decently covered in a pink sleeveless tunic and teal mini skirt. He’d left his shirt unbuttoned all the way to mid-chest, and his dark jeans were stained with something that looked suspiciously like mustard. Despite his unkempt appearance, he was handsome, his features finely carved. The woman with him raised a hand slightly in a tentative wave.
“Jacob, I do not remember inviting you,” Stella said, her voice cold.
So this was the infamous Jacob. Kerri stared at the man. The image she’d had was of someone a little more put-together—and much more contrite. But no. This man was all rebellion and bravado, a brash sneer on his lips.
“Guess my wife—or whatever she is—forgot to tell you I called,” he said. “She canceled all my credit cards.”
“A prudent move, I’m sure,” Stella said. “Thank you for informing everyone. Now you may leave.”
“Why? I’m the head of the family.”
“You’re hardly that. Not since you abdicated your duties to the family and ran off with that” —Stella’s gaze flicked over his companion— “female.”
“She’s a showgirl, Ma, not a stripper. And unlike dear, dear Catherine, she never took a penny from the company.”
Now this was interesting. Was he claiming that Catherine had embezzled money? Kerri made a mental note to check further into it.
Stella didn’t acknowledge his correction. “You’ve been irresponsible with the company that’s been entrusted to you. This is neither the place nor
the time to discuss the matter.”
“I didn’t do sh—anything to mess it up.” He pointed his finger at Ethan. “It’s him and that Wilson heiress.”
Kerri’s stomach coiled, all the food she’d sampled earlier churning violently. She put a hand over her belly.
Ethan strode forward. “That’s enough.”
“I know what she is.”
Someone said, “What heiress?”
“Wilson. Sterling & frickin’ Wilson!”
Ethan crossed the room and started to pull Jacob away. The older Lloyd struggled, determined to stay and say his piece.
To Kerri’s surprise, Gavin joined Ethan. He unhooked Jacob’s other arm from the woman and helped Ethan drag their derelict brother back through the front door.
Kerri’s fingers shook. She clasped her hands together. How in the world had Jacob found out? She’d been so careful not to speak of her family, to avoid events where she might be photographed or where guests might recognize her. And if Jacob knew, did that mean her grandfather had found her too? She remembered the PIs Justin had hired. They’d said Barron wanted to talk to her, and if she didn’t agree, things would become more difficult for her.
Barron used to gaze at her so dispassionately, like she was a stranger on the street he happened to notice. At times he looked through her, an invisible presence he couldn’t bother with. Kerri couldn’t remember a single time he had smiled at her or hugged her. He’d been warmer and more cordial with colleagues and subordinates.
As she grew older, she told herself it didn’t matter how he treated her. But this sudden interest was alarming. It couldn’t have come out of affection or concern. The last time he’d been this intent on somebody, that person had ended up ruined.
Kerri realized that Stella was standing next to her. “Please accept my apologies. I’m embarrassed for the family and for Jacob. He had no right to speak to you so.”
“It’s all right.” Kerri tucked a curl behind her ear with an unsteady hand. “I know things haven’t been easy for anybody in the family.”
“No, it’s not all right. Don’t ever excuse other people’s obnoxiousness. They are adults. As such, they have the ability to control themselves and behave with dignity and decency.”
Kerri nodded, unwilling to contradict the woman. She felt awful that Stella’s party was ruined because of Jacob. And what if someone took Jacob’s accusation about who she was seriously?
She desperately wanted to leave, but couldn’t until the party was officially over. Ethan wouldn’t want to go until he knew his mother was okay and it was polite to do so.
Meredith came over and offered a drink, which Kerri turned down. The younger woman cringed. “I’m so sorry about that. Jacob’s not the brightest guy in the first place, and when he gets drunk… I can only imagine what you must think of us.”