She was astounded. She had been played. “Then the floors . . .”
“They were finished the first week.”
That devil. “I’m going to be having a little chat with him when we get home.”
She was still thinking about Alec’s tricks when Liam pulled up in front of the hotel and got out to say good-bye. “It’s been a pleasure,” he said, shaking Aiden’s hand.
When he turned to Cordie, she hugged him and said, “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”
“Anytime,” he said. He winked at her and got back in the car.
As he was driving off, Aiden took Cordie’s hand. “I could use a drink. How about you?”
“That sounds lovely,” she replied.
They entered the lobby and were heading to the bar when Aiden asked, “Do you see her? Simone is here.”
Cordie looked at the far end of the lobby and spotted Simone sitting stiffly in a wingback chair near the bank of elevators. “What does she want?” she asked.
“You don’t have to talk to her, Cordelia.”
“I don’t think she’ll go away. Let’s get it over with.”
They continued into the bar, conscious that Simone was watching. When she stood and followed them, Cordie felt as though she was heading for a showdown at the O.K. Corral. Taking a seat at one of the tables, she waited.
Simone didn’t try to hide her anger. There was a round table between them, and for a second Cordie thought the woman might lunge at her.
Simone’s voice shook. “Do you know what you’ve done to me? To my family?”
“I don’t believe I’m the one who did anything. It was your father who tried to have me killed. He belongs in prison, and I’m not so sure you don’t belong there, too, but unfortunately, it’s not a crime to be a coldhearted bitch.”
Simone couldn’t restrain herself. Her hand flew at Cordie, but Aiden grabbed her wrist.
“Why did you come here?” Cordie asked.
“I wanted you to know the terrible, terrible thing you’ve done to me. You’ve destroyed me and my family.”
“How have I done that?” she asked quietly.
“We can’t hold our heads up, thanks to you. The shame . . . the humiliation is too much to bear. I’ve been asked to resign from every board, every charity. I’m being shunned and cut out of every social function in the city. Your hate did that to me.”
“I don’t hate you. I feel sorry for you. The scandal will fade, and in time it might even be forgotten. I promise, you’ll never have to worry about seeing me in the future. And you can forget all about me once again.”
Cordie’s promise seemed to calm Simone. She nodded and, without another word, walked out of the bar.
Leaning into Aiden, Cordie watched her leave. “She was very young when she had me.”
“Is that an excuse for her behavior?”
“Maybe,” she said. “I do feel sorry for her. She made me realize how very lucky I am. I was raised by a loving father, and I doubt Simone got much affection from her father. Julian was more interested in keeping her in line.” She put her arms around Aiden’s neck. “You’re going to be a wonderful father.”
“You think?”
“I know.” She kissed him and whispered in his ear, “Shall we go upstairs and get started?”