Chapter 468
A faint smile curved Stein’s lips-he already knew exactly who it was.
Honestly, this outcome was much more to his liking. It was certainly better than when Victoria first came to Evermore City because she and her husband had fallen out.
Back then, she had been utterly devastated. As her older brother, Stein’s heart ached for her.
McNeil hadn’t just refused to acknowledge Victoria’s place in his life; he hadn’t even bothered to call or let anyone know where he’d gone.
The pattern was always the same: whenever Victoria left upset, it meant she and McNeil had argued.
The only time Stein had ever seen McNeil genuinely anxious was when he’d rescued Victoria from danger. That was the first moment Stein realized McNeil might actually care for her-maybe there was hope for the man yet.
“Is there something going on, Stein?” Victoria’s voice broke into his thoughts, noticing the serious look on her brother’s face as he answered his phone.
He glanced at her, letting out a low, noncommittal hum. “Something important just came up. I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay for lunch with you.”
Victoria felt a pang of disappointment, but she understood how busy Stein usually was. The fact that he’d made time to see her at all was already a rarity, so she didn’t want to make him feel guilty for leaving.
“That’s okay, Stein. You should get going. I was just thinking that Chris and Celia will need to be fed soon anyway.”
Stein nodded his understanding. “You’d better hurry then. Don’t keep the twins waiting-this is when they need their mom the most.”
As Stein stepped outside, he spotted McNeil’s car pulled up at the curb. The window was half-rolled down, and McNeil’s chiseled face looked as cold and brooding as ever.
The back windows were closed, but Stein guessed there were people inside- Victoria’s two children and their nanny, most likely.
Behind them was a black SUV, probably carrying the security detail. McNeil never traveled with so much protection unless the kids were with him.
Stein shot a look inside the car. McNeil saw him, too—and when he realized Victoria wasn’t with Stein, his expression tightened.
Stein slid into his own car, and McNeil’s mind seemed to race-had Stein left Victoria inside the restaurant alone?
McNeil told the nanny to keep an eye on the twins and made sure the bodyguards stayed alert. Then he pushed open his door and strode over.
“Stein.” He used his name, clipped and direct.
Stein heard him but just smiled in silence.
“Mr. Langford, fancy running into you here. Doesn’t your company need you anymore?” Stein’s tone was cool, almost teasing. “Who knew you had time for a leisurely visit to Evermore City?”
McNeil didn’t bother with small talk. He went straight to the point. “Where’s Victoria?”
So he really left her there alone.
McNeil’s jaw clenched. “What’s the idea, Stein? You bring her out for lunch and then abandon her? That’s your idea of a date? Some
gentleman you are—leaving a woman by herself in a restaurant. What is this, a game to you?”
“If you care about her so much, then marry her already. Stop playing with her
feelings. Don’t you think she’s been through enough?”
Stein didn’t even flinch at the accusation “And what right do you have to lecture me, Mr. Langford? Are you claiming the role of
husband? Seems to me you and net
that up. If you’re just a friend now, you’re awfully nosy about things that aren’t your business.”
“No matter how Victoria and I choose to spend our time, it’s got nothing to do with you. You lost the privilege to decide what’s best for her the day you walked away. That was your choice, remember?”
McNeil’s retort caught in his throat.
“We may not be married anymore,” he finally managed, “but we have children together. She’s the mother of my three kids. I have a responsibility to keep her safe.”
Stein looked at him, a flicker of
disdain in his gaze. “You haven’t just been a husband for a day or a father for a day, McNeil. And only now you remember your responsibilities? It’s a little late for that. Anyway, really do have something urgent to handle today, so I couldn’t stay for lunch.”
He gave a wry smile. “If you’re so concerned, why don’t you head upstairs? You’ve been lurking out here for ages. Since you haven’t seen Victoria come out, you must know she’s still inside. It’s not too late to go find her.”