Tempting The Heiress. Martha Kennerson

that language yet, but I’m learning. Felicia’s an excellent teacher.”

      Mrs. Kaile’s eyes landed on Felicia’s face. “You know our language well enough to teach it. I’m impressed,” she replied, her face sending a slightly different message, this one of undisguised disapproval.

      “If I may ask, why did you say you’re not her daughter-in-law yet?” Felicia said, putting her focus on Jia.

      Before Jia could respond, a trio of women entered the lounge area, but before proceeding any further, they swept a gaze across the others, then made a hasty retreat.

      “They’re announcing their engagement tonight,” Mrs. Kaile clarified. “After we celebrate my Griffin’s accomplishments, of course. After all, tonight’s all about my son.”

      Butterflies started making their way to Felicia’s throat, preparing to make their exit. While the other women may have missed the change in Felicia’s demeanor, Farrah clearly did not. “Congratulations. We wish you well,” Farrah said, covering for her twin’s lapse.

      “Yes...congratulations,” Felicia managed to force past her lips.

      “So you can imagine my surprise when I saw your name on the final guest list, especially since no one in the family invited you,” Mrs. Kaile informed her, tightening her grip on the purse she held as if expecting someone to make a grab for it.

      Farrah tilted her head slightly. “Yet we were invited and under the impression that this celebration was also a charity event...a fund-raiser for a hospital.”

      Mrs. Kaile raised her chin slightly. “Yes, of course, Dr. Barry’s welcome guest. He’s a client of yours, I understand,” she said, her lip curving upward slightly.

      “He’s a family friend,” Farrah corrected. “Now, if he were a client, I wouldn’t be able to share that information with you. But I’m sure you understand, being the daughter and mother of doctors.”

      Really, Farrah? Why don’t you just tell the woman you investigated every aspect of Griffin’s life, including his parents?

      The older woman smiled and then dropped it as quickly as it appeared. Her eyes narrowed on Farrah. “You do know quite a bit.”

      “You have no idea,” Farrah said, smiling.

      Felicia moved a few inches closer to her sister, saying, “My sister’s not only our company’s chief legal counsel, she’s an excellent investigator,” she affirmed. The last thing Felicia wanted was for Farrah to start crossing swords with Griffin’s mother and Alyia’s grandmother. Especially since they would still have to meet with Griffin at some point and it wouldn’t do for there to be bad blood between their families.

      “Mother Lin, we should return,” Jia said, checking her watch. “It’s time to open the doors.”

      There was a slight pause as the petite woman took in those words. “You’re right, my dear. We mustn’t keep everyone waiting.” Mrs. Kaile gave the sisters a small nod and turned to leave only to turn back to say, “Enjoy yourselves tonight. It’s going to be a wonderful evening for Jia and my Griffin.”

      “Actually—”

      “We wouldn’t want to be anyplace else tonight,” Felicia supplied.

      Farrah plastered on a tight smile as she watched both ladies take their leave. They hadn’t cleared the area before she whirled to face her sister.

      “What changed your mind? I thought you wanted Fletcher to handle things?”

      “I do... I did... I mean, I do,” Felicia said, frowning.

      Farrah laughed. “I think you’re right to stay...handle this yourself. Would you want to marry someone without all the facts?”

      Felicia dropped down on the sofa, really wishing she could have avoided Griffin’s mother and made a faster exit than those women moments before that heated exchange ended. She never understood why Griffin’s mother disliked her. “My business is none of hers...not yet, anyway,” she declared.

      “I’m not talking about her and you know it.” Farrah stood with her right hand on her hip.