The Secret Daughter

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“Viv is Casey’s best friend,” Nick said for Noelani’s benefit. To Adam, he said, “Henry Dardenne is considering picking up the casino contract Guy Moreau reneged on. Henry requested a meeting with Luc Renault, because he wants some reassurance that Luc will continue performing if he buys the casino.”

“Um, excuse me.” Noelani ducked away from the men and made a beeline for the band leader, now packing up his equipment.

Adam’s gaze followed her. “Nick, I understand that Casey’s suffering from the loss of her folks. But she’s got to face facts. Noelani didn’t write Duke’s will.”

“Don’t push, Adam. For years Casey’s poured her heart and soul into growing the best cane in the state—mostly to please her dad. Duke did more than die. He fell from his pedestal. And…this isn’t for publication, but Casey had a miscarriage. The day before the property settlement meeting. Emotionally, she’s going through hell.”

“God, Nick. I’m sorry. For your sake, too. But maybe she’d benefit from having a sister at a time like this. Don’t women connect over babies?”

“Casey needs time. I wish she and Jackson would let me help them come up with the money to get rid of Noelani.”

“I hope you mean buy her out, rather than get rid of her. That sounds…sinister.”

“You know what I mean. If Dardenne signs tonight, I could give them a loan. But my question is—why are you involving yourself, Adam?”

“From the vantage point of an outsider, it strikes me that Casey and Jackson were dealt a majority of the aces in this hand. They grew up with Duke’s love. Noelani’s the one who got shortchanged.”

“Be that as it may, you can’t force people to like each other.”

“I’m not advocating force. Casey listens to you, Nick. It’d help if you put in a good word now and then for Noelani.”

“I’ll think about it. Meanwhile, don’t forget who hired you.”

“I know who hired me.” Adam felt the sting of Nick’s rebuke.

“Yeah? Well, you’re awfully damn chummy with our foe for a guy who usually keeps his nose to the grindstone. Why are you out with her tonight?”

“Jackson expressly requested I escort her here.” Adam’s temper frayed as Nick turned and walked away without a backward glance. “For another thing, she’s not the enemy,” he muttered. But dammit, he couldn’t afford to blow this job at Bellefontaine. And Nick knew full well that Adam needed the job if he had any hope of buying back Magnolia Manor.

Noelani paused a foot behind Adam. Close enough to catch the heated exchange that had passed between him and Nick. Adam’s terse admission that he’d driven her to the casino at his employer’s request cut deeper than any of Casey’s recent barbs. Noelani froze. First shame, then fury buzzed in her ears.

As if sensing her presence, Adam glanced over his shoulder. Damn! Had she heard?

She blindly jammed a paper in her purse. “I signed a contract with the group for a hundred dollars less than Jackson paid last year. If you’re reporting back to him, I think that news should please him.”

Damn, she had overheard. Adam didn’t know what to say to make matters better. “So, we’re ready to head home, then?” He avoided her eyes.

Noelani read that as guilt. And had he forgotten about their going to dinner, or had he changed his mind? Darned if she’d ask. Obviously more had happened between the men than the few lines she’d heard.