Chapter 95.1

Chapter 95.1

“Sometimes.”

André shrugged, recalling a recent real estate deal with the Hamilton Group.

“So when you work with people you know, do you ever… instead of the usual dinner or something, go somewhere special? Like an exhibition or a performance?”

He chewed slowly, then set his fork and knife neatly on the right side of the plate and placed his napkin on the table. Miran had realized just a few days earlier that this was his way of signaling the meal was over.

“What are you trying to ask? Stop circling around and say it.”

Flustered, she mimicked his gesture, setting down her utensils, and blurted something out at random.

“In Korea, business dinners are usually just meals or drinks. But I figured in the U.S. it might be different, and if it’s with someone you know, maybe it would be fun to go to an exhibition or a show instead of dinner.”

She tested the waters carefully, watching his face. André frowned and shook his head.

“Not at all. Every second of it would be torture.”

“I see…”

Miran nodded deeply and gave a small smile. Her mood lifted a little, though unease still lingered.

The image of André with “Grace Kelly” clinging to his arm would not be easy to forget.

—

Friday, six o’clock in the evening. André stepped into Harry Winston, the jeweler on the first floor of the St. Regis Hotel on 54th Street, Fifth Avenue.

He was there to pick up the ring Lorraine had ordered. She had insisted he do it himself, nagging that it was the only way rumors of him buying an engagement ring would spread the way they needed.

Black-and-brass Art Deco display cases stood scattered across the marble floor, and inside them glittering jewels threw off a blinding sheen.

After checking the reservation, the manager led him up to the second floor. As they passed the shop, André slowed. The manager glanced back in puzzlement, then moved with practiced discretion and stood behind a display case.

[Is there anything in particular you are looking for, Mr. Lafayette?]

Stopping in front of the case, André hesitated. He had never bought jewelry before. Much of his family’s treasure sat in the private vaults and banks of the Lafayette residences, and there had never been anyone to give such gifts to.

He knew Miran would feel weighed down by an ostentatious necklace. Still, something modest might suit her. He pointed to a thin chain tucked away at the corner: a delicate necklace with a flower-shaped pendant no larger than a ten-cent coin.

The manager unlocked the case and lifted the box out.

[This is the Forget Me Not necklace. The chain is platinum gold, and the pendant features a 0.6-carat diamond center stone surrounded by five sapphires. It’s an elegant, lovely design that’s very popular with young women.]

André nodded.

[Please wrap that for me.]

On second thought, it would suit Miran well. A faint smile eased the corner of his mouth.

Leaving Harry Winston, André walked to the car he had parked two blocks away.

Whether he liked it or not, the contract marriage with Lorraine was proceeding as planned. Lawyers were trading fierce terms to secure clauses favorable to each side. Soon the contract would be signed, he would confess everything to Miran, they would register the marriage in September, and at the shareholders’ meeting the Collins faction would back Lafayette. If all went smoothly, the situation would be closed by early December.

After that he would do everything in his power to hold on to what he had, so no one could unsettle him again. He would not endure the hollow feeling of having a blade at his throat and bowing his head more than once.

And Miran—

Thinking of her muddled his mind. Truthfully, he wanted to keep her at his house until December, keep her from knowing anything at all. He did not want a hair on her head to be harmed.

He doubted Miran’s innocent heart would understand his decision. Had she been more worldly, she might have been easier to persuade. He did not know why the thought made him so uneasy.

Get a grip, André de Lafayette.

He could not avoid the things that had to be done simply because he was afraid.