Filed to story: A Matter of Sin and Love Novel Read Free Online
“Of course you’ll do it. You know you will,” said George Morrison, pausing while pouring a drink to stare at his daughter with determination. Elena shook her head, wondering how her father could be so self-absorbed that he didn’t notice the changes in the world and in her. She had grown since she left, and even her siblings, Fuzz and Rob, had changed recently, but their father remained oblivious.
He was too focused on his business dealings, which were no longer just about business. His latest plan was a mix of personal and commercial interests. It was no wonder Fuzz had run away. Felicity Morrison, the favored child of a wealthy man, might be flighty and spoiled, but she wasn’t foolish.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Elena stood her ground, ignoring her father’s intense glare. It took years of practice to stand up against his abusive behavior, but now it came naturally. “This has nothing to do with me. You’ll have to handle it yourself.”
Who would have thought that George Morrison would come begging to his forgotten middle child, the one he had ignored for so long?
Except there’d been nothing cap in hand about his bellowing phone call, demanding she come to his harbourside home instantly because her sister Felicity was about to destroy her life.
‘Of course you’re involved,’ he roared, then caught himself, pausing to swallow a slug of alcohol. ‘You’re my only hope, Elena.’ This time his tone was conciliatory, almost conspiratorial.
Elena’s hackles rose, tension clamping her belly. Her father shouted whenever he didn’t instantly get his way. But it was when he pretended to be on your side that you really needed to beware.
‘I’m sorry.’ She bit her lip, reminding herself there was no need for her to apologise. Yet ancient habits died hard. She lifted her chin. ‘It’s a crazy idea and even if it weren’t I couldn’t fill in for Felicity. I’m not—’
‘Pah! Of course you can’t hold a candle to your sister. But with a makeover and some coaching you’ll do.’
Elena stood tall. Once upon a time his constant references to the many ways she didn’t measure up to her older sister—in looks, grace, vivacity, charm, the ability to throw on anything and look like a million dollars—had been the bane of her life. Now she knew life held more important things than trying, fruitlessly, to live up to his expectations.
‘I was going to say I’m not interested in getting to know any of your business cronies, much less marrying one.’
Elena shuddered. She’d escaped her awful father in her teens and never looked back. This man her father so wanted to do business with would be in the same mould: grasping, selfish, dishonest. She’d met his associates before.
‘I’m sure if you explain the situation he’ll understand.’ She got up from the white leather lounge, retrieved her shoulder bag and turned towards the door.
‘Understand?’ Her father’s voice cracked on the word, transfixing Elena. Despite his volatile temperament, she’d swear it was the closest he’d come to real emotion in years. Even when her mother died he’d shed only crocodile tears.
‘Christian Edwards isn’t the sort to understand. You don’t realise how badly I need him. I suggested marriage to cement our business ties and he agreed to consider it.’ Her father’s tone made it clear what an honour that was. This from a man who viewed himself as the acme of Sydney business and society.
‘I need Edwards’s money. Without it I’ll go under and soon. Even with his money…’ He looked every bit his age despite the work he’d had to keep the lines and sags of good living at bay. ‘I need a personal tie to keep me safe. A family tie.’ His tone was grim, his expression ugly, a familiar scheming look in his eye.
The idea of her father’s massive wealth at risk should have shocked her. But somehow it didn’t. He was an inveterate risk-taker.
‘You don’t trust him.’ Elena stared in revulsion. ‘Yet you want your daughter to marry him.’
‘Oh, don’t be such a prude. You remind me of your mother.’ His lip curled. ‘Edwards can give a woman everything money can buy. You’ll be set for life.’
Elena said nothing. She knew her mother’s worth, and that money couldn’t buy the important things in life. But the discussion was academic. Fuzz had run rather than meet this Edwards person and Elena had no intention of sacrificing herself to her father’s schemes. Besides, this paragon of corporate success wouldn’t be interested in having George Morrison’s other daughter foisted on him. The dull, uninteresting one who actually worked for a living.
She was ordinary, a nurse who spent her days home-visiting the sick. She had nothing in common with a corporate high-flyer. Elena turned towards the door again.
‘Without Edwards’s money I lose everything. The business, this house. Everything. And if I go belly up, what do you think happens to your siblings?’ He paused long enough for foreboding to trickle down Elena’s spine.
‘What about the money for your brother’s new venture?’ No mistaking the venom in his tone. ‘The one Rob’s so wrapped up in now he’s left the family business. The one supporting your sister, Felicity, and her boyfriend.’ He all but spat the word.
Elena swung around, her pulse fluttering in her throat.
‘Rob’s money, not yours.’
He shrugged, his gaze sliding sideways. ‘I…accessed some of it to tide me over.’ He must have sensed her outrage, cutting her off before she could speak. ‘If I go down, so do they. How do you think they’ll cope when the cash to finish refurbishing their fine resort disappears?’ Triumph lit her father’s pale eyes.
Are some parents usually this selfish?
I want to read a “a matter of sin and love”
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