Chapter 18: The Duty Of The Heir (Book 3): Chapter 18

Presley Tower, Wesbury

I stand in my office, Leonard by my side, and I’m feeling like my world is spinning out of control. ‘You set up a meeting now? When I’m supposed to be picking up my wife?’

Leonard, unfazed, looks at me. ‘You’ve been wanting this meeting.’

I’m struggling to keep my frustration in check. Leonard has a tendency to plan meetings without taking into account my busy schedule.

‘Not today, Leonard. Why didn’t you give me a heads up?’

He just shrugs, like it’s no big deal. ‘Thought you’d handle it. This is the guy you’ve been after for months.’

Panic is setting in. ‘You need to reschedule it, Leonard.’

But he’s shaking his head, adamant. ‘Can’t be done, Duke.’

I’m picturing her face, the disappointment. ‘She’s going to be livid, Leonard.’

His advice is simple. ‘Just call her. Explain.’

He doesn’t get it. ‘Leonard, you don’t know the half of it. Yesterday, I… I changed her flight. She didn’t even know until this morning.’

His reaction? He laughs. As if this isn’t the mess that it is.

My phone rings. One glance at the caller ID and I know it’s Simone.

‘I’ll call her back later,’ I mutter.

Leonard’s eyes narrow. ‘Why is she calling you?’ he probes.

I’m evasive, ‘I don’t know.’

He’s not letting it go. ‘But why is she calling your phone?’

I snap back, a bit too defensively, ‘Why can’t she?’

Leonard’s voice is firm, a reminder of the boundaries I’m dangerously close to crossing. ‘Duke, you know the rules. She’s under contract. She should be communicating through me.’

His disapproval is evident. I find myself lowering my voice, almost in confession. ‘I know. But I had to break that rule.’

His gaze is unyielding. ‘Why?’

I struggle to find the words, my throat tight. ‘IVF… it’s brutal, especially for her. The daily injections, the emotional toll… she’s doing this for me. I feel so damn helpless. The least I can do is offer her some support.’

Leonard’s expression softens, but his stance remains firm. ‘Duke, this can’t go on. Your wife will find out. You need to keep your distance from Simone.’

His words hit me hard. Torn between my obligations and my emotions, I’m left grappling with a situation that feels increasingly impossible to navigate.

I sigh.