Chapter 529
Chapter 529:
I shrugged. “No p>
Lea gave my elbow a light tug.
I understood what she meant, but I was not about to grovel to a middle-aged, arrogant prick just so he would stop smearing me in the papers. Groveling never worked.
Antoine’s scowl deepened, and the fleshy parts of his face folded in on themselves, making him look like a butcher in a caricature.
“You hurt my son,” he said.
“He started it p>
“He was only trying to talk to his wife.” His gaze flicked to Lea with contempt.
“Are you defending her because you’re sleeping with her p>
Lea went pink.
I frowned. “That explains where Pierre learned his foul mouth p>
“Ignore him. He’s a grouchy old man with a sailor’s mouth,” Francoise Marchand said, smiling in a way that smoothed the air. “Crude words aside, he has a point. Mr. Laurent, would you mind telling me exactly what your relationship with Lea is p>
“She’s a friend,” I said.
“I see.” Francoise nodded and turned to Lea. “Lea, love, drinking with a man in a bar late at night doesn’t look good for us. Pierre’s reaction is understandable. He is still your husband p>
“Not once he signs the divorce papers,” Lea shot back. “He’s dragging his feet p>
“I’ll talk to him. He’ll come around eventually. He’ll see you’re not well-matched, and ending the marriage will be best for both of you p>
Antoine snorted. “I should never have let him marry you. What a mistake p>
“Antoine,” Francoise said sharply before turning back to me. “Mr. Laurent, I’m sorry we’ve dragged you into what should be a private matter, but you brought this on yourself when you shut down our Arlo SoHo hotels p>
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“I didn’t shut them down,” I said. “The fire brigade did. Your hotels had safety violations a mile long p>
Françoise did not flinch. “I have sacked the manager and ordered a full investigation. I would like us to sort this so that when the hotels reopen, there are no surprise inspections, and our suppliers don’t suddenly sign exclusive deals elsewhere.” She held my gaze.
“That’s simple,” I said. “Once Lea is free from Pierre’s harassment, your hotels will stop getting surprise inspections and unexpected tax audits p>
“Don’t you dare threaten me!” Antoine growled. “You have no idea what I can do to ruin you. One phone call and your dirty laundry will be all over the news p>
I met his stare without flinching.
Françoise squeezed her husband’s arm. “Antoine, calm down. We came to make amends, not enemies.” Her business smile slid back on effortlessly. “Pierre will need time to see our point of view, but I’m confident I can persuade him. For now, let’s keep business and personal matters separate, shall we p>
Normally, I would have agreed with that principle, but Lea was worth making an exception. I said nothing.
Françoise checked her watch. “Why don’t I invite you to dinner, Mr. Laurent? Lea, you as well. We can sit down, have a proper meal, and talk things over. I’m sure we can reach an understanding p>
“Will Pierre stick to it?” Lea asked.