Chapter 399

“I’m sorry,” I said and knelt down to pick up the pieces of broken glass.

“That’s alright, Miss Wilson,” Benson said. “Thomas will take care of the mess.” He motioned to a footman. “Let me get you another glass of tea.”

“Are you okay, Daisy?” Cassidy asked. “We shouldn’t have shocked you with the news in front of guests.”

I shook my head and tried to smile. “No, I’m fine. I was just surprised. Congratulations. I’m happy for both of you.” But was I? I had been an only child since Alex found me.

Even though I knew Alex would continue to love me, my only experience with having a sibling wasn’t a positive one. Andrea enjoyed making my life miserable.

So, I wasn’t sure how I felt about having a half-sister or brother. However, I was sure Alex and Cassidy wouldn’t treat me like the Smiths, and I’m optimistic the baby wouldn’t be like Andrea.

But what would change in my life?

“Are you sure, sweetheart?” Alex asked. He looked concerned, and even though I had been shocked, I didn’t want to spoil the happy news.

“Yes, I think it’s wonderful news,” I assured him. But I wasn’t sure. I needed a little time to think about it.

I was a little embarrassed because everyone was still sitting silently, not knowing what to do. Dropping my glass like I did was indicative of my being upset.

I had to make everyone see I was fine with the news.

With a smile on my face, I went to the buffet and refilled my plate. “Come on, guys, there’s plenty of shrimp left.” I picked up a shrimp kabob and waved it in the air. “Unless I eat it all.”

William laughed and returned to the buffet. He loaded his plate with food again, causing the others to follow his lead.

I returned to Victor’s side and popped a perfectly grilled shrimp into my mouth. Yet, it didn’t taste as good as my first kabob before I knew about the new baby.

“Are you okay?” he whispered and kissed my cheek.

I nodded. “We’ll talk about it later.” I forced myself to smile and chat with everyone, even asking Cassidy if they’d chosen any names yet.

“If it’s a boy, it will be Alex jr, and a girl will be named Emma,” Cassidy replied. Her happiness showed on her face. She looked radiant.

“That’s great,” I said. Maybe Alex would finally have a son named after him. A strange feeling of jealousy burned in the back of my mind. What was wrong with me? How could I be jealous of a baby?

Suddenly, a horrible thought crossed my mind, and I lost my appetite. Would Alex take the leadership from Victor and give it to his son?

No! I didn’t care about Alex’s money, but Victor earned the leadership position. My stomach fluttered when I thought about what it would mean to him to lose it.

Victor sensed my panic. He plucked a shrimp from my plate and gave me a reassuring smile. I pushed the half-full plate toward him to finish before going to Amy to chat.

Amy sensed my mood and kept the conversation light and away from babies. As much as I adored the little one, I was glad Brendre was with Justin’s parents.

The afternoon dragged on until the guests began to leave. Victor and I excused ourselves and disappeared upstairs. I went to my library and collapsed on the leather couch. I stared at the ceiling and imagined being replaced by a new child again.

Victor followed me. “Talk to me, sweetheart. Please tell me what’s concerning you about your father having another child. I know it’s not about Alex’s money.”

“No, it’s not the money,” I agreed. “Although, I will be coming to you with considerably less than you expected.”

“That’s okay. We don’t need Alex’s money,” Victor assured me. “But I’m sure he would never leave you penniless.”

I began to cry, “But what about the leadership? What if he wants Alex Jr. to follow him as leader of The Association? Marrying me was supposed to assure you would have the position.”

Victor sat firm and pulled me into his lap. “Sweetheart, a baby isn’t going to be able to lead the Association. It would be many years before a brother of yours could take over. I may want to retire by then or do something else.”

I hadn’t thought of that. “But what about your son? Wouldn’t you want the position for him?”

“Daisy, we don’t have a son,” Victor replied. “We could have a family of girls. Or maybe our son would want to do something different with his life. You know the position is a big responsibility. Not everyone wants that or craves the power that comes with it.”

I thought over his words. “I’m letting myself worry about things that may not happen.”

“Yep,” Victor said. “But how about we speak to Alex before dinner? It’s the only way to know for sure the answers to your questions. However, I will abide by any decision he makes. You must, too.”

I laid my head on Victor’s chest and let myself think about the situation.

“Having a baby sister or brother might be nice,” I said. “Alex suffered for years after the accident that killed my mother. He deserves all the happiness he can find.”

“I feel the same way.” Victor kissed my hair. “Cassidy and Alex’s child will bring more love and happiness to the entire family …including us.”

I sat up and kissed his lips. “I think you're right. But you’re right. We need to speak to Alex before dinner.” I made a trail of kisses down his neck. “Let’s go to my room and take a nap.”

Victor raised an eyebrow. “A nap?”

“Eventually,” I said and let a hand wander up his muscular thigh.

He laughed and lifted me to my feet. “Let’s go. I’m feeling a little sleepy.”

Alex looked at me with concern when Victor and I entered the living room before dinner. I went to him and Cassidy and hugged them both.

“Congratulations on the baby. I’m truly happy for you,” I assured them. “I’m sorry if I didn’t seem to be earlier. I let my bad experiences with the Smiths cloud my mind when I first heard your happy news.”

“We understand,” Cassidy said. “Your early life wasn’t easy.”

“But I know Alex or you would treat me like they did after the birth of their own child,” I said. “I know you both love me.”

“I’ll always love you, Daisy,” Alex assured me. “You mean the world to me.” He held me for a moment before urging me to sit next to him. “There are things we need to discuss now that we are in private.”

“I’m not worried about your money,” I said. “And we bought an estate of our own that we love. But we would like to know what will happen regarding the leadership.”

“The leadership is still Victor’s, but I will help him for a few more years like he wants. But if the baby is a boy and you don’t have a son, I’d like the position to go to Alex Jr. when he is old enough to handle it.”

“Agreed,” Victor said. “And we could make having co-leaders permanent if we both have sons.”

“That’s an excellent idea,” Alex agreed. “We will see what happens. Also, my fortune will be divided equally between Daisy and the baby.”

I was relieved to hear that, not because I wanted more money, but because it showed Alex truly wasn’t pushing me aside for the new child.

“But you should give this estate to the baby,” I insisted. “It’s a fantastic place, and I’ve loved living here, but Victor and I don’t need it.”

“That’s generous of you, Daisy,” Cassidy said. “Thank you.”

I gently patted her tummy. “I can’t wait to hold and spoil my new baby sister or brother. And perhaps they will get to grow up with their aunt or uncle when Victor and I have children.”

Alex grinned. “What a wonderful thought, honey. I look forward to spoiling my grandchildren.”

Everyone was smiling until Victor’s phone vibrated. He read a message on the screen and frowned.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. He was scowling at the screen. It couldn’t be good news. “Tell me.”

“Is something wrong at The Association?” Alex asked.

“No,” Victor took a deep breath and scowled at the phone again. “I have to call the realtor. She said there’s a complication with the sale of the Juniper Lane estate.”

“Oh no!” I cried. This couldn’t be happening. That estate was perfect for us. “Hurry, call her and find out what’s wrong.”