Chapter 14: Chapter 14

“Three years.”

“So you’ve definitely seen the ladies at their best and their worst.”

He nodded and leaned his shoulder against the wall. “You could say that. There have been a few cat fights behind the scenes.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” she added. “Strong, independent women like that? There would have to be some alpha tendencies that clash.”

“They do,” he agreed. “For the most part, though, they get along. Maybe that’s why the ratings have dipped. People expect more drama from such reality shows. These ladies usually pull for each other because they all understand what it’s like to be a divorced woman trying to start over.”

Or trying to dig her greedy claws into things that don’t belong to her.

“Plus, they all really bonded over the fires that broke out while they were helping Miranda deal with her new inheritance after her ex passed away,” Craig added. “All of that was something out of a movie.”

Yeah, Sophie was well aware of what a nightmare all of that had been...and still was. The inheritance, the fires. Royal was still recovering and the Texas Cattleman’s Club clubhouse is undergoing yet another renovation. Only a few years ago the entire place had been revamped and updated. With these recent fires, a portion of the beautiful main building had been damaged.

But Royal was a tight community. There may be drama and gossip, but when push came to shove, everyone pulled together.

Sophie’s cell vibrated on her desk and she glanced to the screen.

It was her brother Kellan.

“If you’ll excuse me,” she told Craig. “I need to take this.”

“Of course,” he told her, pushing off the wall and heading to her door. “I’ll let Mr. Townshend know you’ll meet him later.”

She waited until she was alone before she took a seat behind her desk and answered the call.

“Kellan. What’s up?”

“Irina and I haven’t heard from you for a few days. Any news?”

Irina and Kellan were madly in love after an affair that led to them realizing they were perfect for each other. Irina had been their father’s maid, and had a dark past as a mail-order bride, but Kellan treated her like royalty.

“Nothing I can use,” Sophie admitted.

The only thing she’d gained was a stack of steamy fantasies about her utterly delicious boss...but Kellan probably didn’t want to hear that. Divulging the fact that she was working right alongside the hottest man who gave her all the feels and all the dirty thoughts might not be the best idea. And yet, who could blame her? It wasn’t her fault she was having a difficult time focusing whenever Nigel was near.

“Are you doing okay?” he asked. “I worry.”

Always the worrier where she was concerned—and even more so now that she was in New York undercover.

“I’m fine and I promise to let you guys know as soon as I see or hear anything useful,” she vowed. “It’s just taking more time than I thought. So far, Miranda is dubbed a saint.”

Kellan snorted. “Doubtful. Maybe you haven’t talked to the right people.”

“Well, there are quite a few here,” she admitted. “I’m working my way through.”

Sophie kept her voice low since her door was open, but she hadn’t heard any activity out in the hallway.

“I’m hoping to get into the film room and check out some of the cut scenes,” she murmured.

“That might be the ticket, and the proof, we need. If she admits to manipulating Dad, or using some trick to push the will through, we’ll be able to challenge it in court,” Kellan agreed.

“How’s everything in Royal?” she asked.

“Same. Irina is still planning our big belated honeymoon trip and I’m working on another deal with a developer in Houston.”

Sophie loved that her brother had found such happiness with Irina. They’d come together after Irina had suffered an abusive marriage. Buck had rescued her by offering her a job and a way out, but Kellan was the one who had truly healed her heart. Kellan and Irina were meant for each other and Sophie was glad they’d finally come back together after years of knowing each other and dancing around the attraction.