Chapter 182
Alex’s POV
There was no way Victor would disrespect my daughter by acting like some kind of playboy with other women. Yet I had to be sure I was leaving my daughter with a good man when I was gone.
Therefore, I had to see for myself when an old friend called and told me what he had seen Victor doing in Moonglow.
When I went inside Moonglow, I discovered my friend was right. Victor had been surrounded by women. They were competing for his attention while he laughed and drank champagne.
One of the young tarts even sat in his lap! It was disgraceful for an engaged man.
I hurried back to the car and ordered Joseph to take me straight home. I had to decide what I was going to do about the situation.
I didn’t have much longer in this world, and Daisy must be protected.
My phone rang immediately after my car departed Moonglow. I knew the caller would be Victor.
When his identity was confirmed by caller ID, I rejected the call. I had nothing to say to him at this time. Disappointment and a sense of betrayal were heavy on my heart.
Was what I saw Victor’s usual behavior, or was it an anomaly brought on by the stress of his engagement and the suddenly looming reality of the leadership position?
Both sexes sometimes sow a few wild oats before plunging into marriage. Was that what I saw? It was a poor excuse for bad behavior, but I needed it to make sense.
I had to know more about Victor’s personal life and reputation outside the business arena.
When Joseph pulled the car in front of the house, I immediately went inside and called for Benson.
As usual, he appeared out of thin air when I needed him.
“Yes, Mr. Wilson,” Benson said. “What can I do for you?”
“I need to speak to you privately,” I replied. “Come with me.”
Benson followed me into my den, and I asked him to close the door.
“Please join me on the couch,” I said. “This discussion could take some time.”
Once we were seated, I told Benson what I witnessed at Moonglow. He was as surprised as I had been.
“I thought Daisy and Victor had fallen in love.” I shook my head. “I don’t understand Victor’s behavior.”
“As you requested, I have observed the young couple many times since Miss Wilson’s arrival,” Benson said. “Affection has grown between them. A few nights ago, they were kissing passionately in the foyer.”
“They spend a great deal of time together,” I said. “And I’ve seen the way they look at each other.”
“As have I,” Benson agreed. “I don't at all understand Mr. Klein’s behavior tonight.”
“I need to know more about his past social behaviors and reputation,” I said.
I was lucky Benson was utterly devoted to me. He had been my butler/valet for thirty-five years. And we were also friends. He never failed me and wouldn’t now.
“I’ll begin gathering the information immediately,” Benson said. “But I must ask you something, and please don’t be offended, Mr. Wilson.”
“You can ask me anything,” I grumbled. “But you know you needn’t call me Mr. Wilson or Sir when we are alone.”
Benson smiled. “I’m sorry, Alex. Force of habit, I suppose. Anyway, the younger generation have different ways of doing things and maybe …”
Benson hesitated as if he were trying to choose his words carefully.
“Maybe, what?” I said impatiently. “I need this situation under control. I don’t know how much time I have left to protect her.”
“Many couples these days don’t value faithfulness,” Benson said. “Could Daisy have agreed to an “open relationship” or something similar? It seems to be a growing trend.”
“It’s a ridiculous concept.” I snorted. “Why bother being in a relationship if you are going to sleep with whomever you please?”
I sighed. “But you’re right. It’s possible Daisy agreed to something like this. I’ll speak to her about it as soon as you have the information about Victor’s past.”
“I will begin sending out inquiries tonight.” Benson stood. “Is there anything else you need this evening?”
“No, I’m going to bed,” I replied. “I feel better having your help, Benson. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Benson responded. “And good night, Alex.” He gave me another smile and went out the door.
I had a drink to calm my nerves further and went to bed.
The next morning, Benson came to my bedroom with a sealed envelope.
He handed me the envelope with a grim expression. “The information you requested about Victor is inside.”
“Is it as I feared?” I asked.
Benson nodded. “Mr. Klein has been popular with the ladies since he became an adult. His numerous conquests of beautiful women are well known in social circles.”
Unbelievable, my beloved daughter was engaged to a playboy. “How did I not know this about Victor?”
“We never asked, Alex,” Benson replied. “He is the son of your dear friends, and he is a disciplined businessman. You had no reason to suspect this flaw in his character.”
“I need to discuss the matter with Daisy.” I winced. “It’s not going to be easy for me to talk about these things with her. But I must know if she is aware of Victor’s womanizing and if she is going along with it or not.”
“I’ll set up breakfast in the morning room,” Benson said. “It’s a better place for a private talk.”
I nodded and finished dressing.
Daisy was pleased to be having breakfast in the sunny morning room.
“We should eat here more often,” she said as she joined me at the small table near a wall of windows.
Benson poured her some juice and set a plate of waffles and bacon in front of us before leaving the room and closing the door.
“What is going on?” Daisy asked. “You and Benson are acting weird.”
“I need to speak to you privately,” I admitted. “Benson thought this would be a pleasant place for us to talk.”
She pushed her plate away and sat on the edge of her seat.
“This is a hard subject for me to broach, so I’m going to be blunt,” I said. “Do you and Victor have a special agreement for your marriage?”
Daisy turned pale. “Like what?”
“So many young people are afraid of commitment, and they agree to something called an open relationship.” I watched her expression change from guarded to horrified.
“I would never agree to anything like that,” she said. “I want to love and be loved by my mate. I want children and a real family.”
What was my next move? Clearly, Daisy is very much against open relationships. I was relieved, yet how could I allow her to marry a man like Victor?
She needed to know what he was really like.
“What else is on your mind?” Daisy reached across the table and put her hand over mine. “What’s troubling you this morning?”
My sweet girl. She deserves to be happy, and she deserves the truth.
“It has recently come to my attention that Victor has a more robust social life than I thought,” I said. “I’m sorry. I never would have set him up to be your fiancé had I known.”
Daisy’s eyebrows came together. “What do you mean?”
“Sweetheart, he’s a playboy. He has a large reputation for …spending time with many different women,” I replied and braced myself for either her tears or denial.
Instead, she laughed. “I knew that before I met him. That's why I didn’t want to be engaged to him at first.”
Why was I the only person who hadn’t known?
“It doesn’t bother you?” I asked. “Do you trust him?”
She nodded and picked up a piece of bacon from her plate with her fingers. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. He has changed a lot since meeting me. Those days are behind him.”
I almost choked on a sip of coffee. She didn’t know. Daisy didn’t know that Victor was still very much a womanizer. I had seen it with my own eyes.
I couldn’t break her heart by confessing what I had seen at Moonglow last night. Daisy is very much in love with Victor.
But I couldn’t stand risking her being trapped in a loveless marriage to a man who would never commit to one woman.
I wouldn’t tell her. Not right now.
First, I would speak to Victor to determine if he loved my daughter and if he could change.
Picking my phone up from the table, I sent Victor a text. “Meet me at my penthouse suite in an hour. Do not speak to or text Daisy until after we talk.”
