Smiling, he recalled their amazing honeymoon. The isolation of the island paradise kept he and Claire within the confines of a private bubble. Yet, as always, life intervenes. Back to Iowa meant disruptions. Being a multibillion dollar company, there were always issues with Rawlings Industry. The stock price was up, but there were always fires in need of dousing. A recent acquisition in Missouri was currently raging.
On top of Rawlings Industries and Sophia, Tony had to deal with John Vandersol. The man absolutely infuriated Tony. Never had he met a more arrogant, self-righteous prick. Tony did his research. He knew John was accomplished. Every account Tony uncovered was flattering – some to the point of nausea. It was hard to believe anyone could be as perfect as everyone’s account of John Vandersol.
During their first meeting, Tony was determined to play nice, for Claire. It was after all, his olive branch to his fiancée. Thanksgiving went well. The ladies didn’t seem to recognize the subtle feather ruffling and posturing which occurred on multiple occasions.
He tried to endure John because of Emily, Claire’s sister. Tony knew Claire wanted to see her family. He also knew Claire obeyed his rules while alone with her sister. After all, he listened intently to the recordings of each private conversation; from their after dinner catch-up in New York, to their giggling girls’ sleep over prior to the wedding. Never once did Claire allude to her and Tony’s less than conventional beginning. He was extremely proud of his wife’s obedience.
Allowing his mind to change directions, perhaps Claire had earned the right to spend some time away from the estate. He would reconsider that possibility.
Rubbing his temples, Tony contemplated John Vandersol’s future as he remembered the man’s past. Their first open disagreement occurred the night following Thanksgiving, regarding the prenuptial agreement. Tony was both amused and shocked by John’s impudence. The man actually thought he could persuade Claire to defy Tony’s authority. Smiling to himself, Tony knew he’d trained Claire too well. Public defiance from his wife wasn’t a concern. Nonetheless, John’s audacity agitated Tony beyond words.
And then there was the wedding rehearsal – where John didn’t give Claire away. It was at that moment, as Tony stared into Claire’s anxious eyes, when Tony determined John Vandersol will pay. This insolent man not only upset him, but his words caused Tony’s future wife distress. Her connection with John was his only saving grace. By causing her discomfort, at her own wedding rehearsal, John secured his own demise.
Tony’s first plan was brilliant: offer John a job. It appeared as though Tony was taking the high road, recognizing John’s superior legal abilities, offering him an exorbitant amount of money and pleasing Claire. It was win – win. Rawlings Industries could always use another competent attorney, but he’d be under Tony’s thumb.
Nonetheless, in the ultimate act of defiance, John Vandersol refused Tony’s offer. It was an act which has infuriated Tony ever since he learned of it two weeks ago. He hadn’t told Claire until a few hours ago.
Tony was certain Claire understood the implications (her ability to see her sister now or in the future was in serious jeopardy) without Tony spelling them out. That was good because the thought of his wife’s family caused his blood to boil, and it was truly better for Claire, if he didn’t experience that feeling while in her presence.
Tony poured himself a drink, perhaps it would help him sleep. Pacing the confines of his regal office he contemplated his wife further. He thought about Catherine’s words. She claimed Claire’s strength in the face of Tony’s adversity was proof of Claire’s true competence. Truly, Catherine’s encouragement regarding their relationship helped propel it beyond the original plan. Catherine claimed she saw Nathaniel’s positive qualities in Tony when he was with Claire. Comparing him to Nathaniel was no small compliment. Catherine’s approval of Claire continued to mean a great deal to Tony.
That was why Tony wanted Claire at the estate, safe, with Catherine to watch over her. With Rawlings Industries, Sophia, and John Vandersol, Tony didn’t need to be concerned about Claire, too. Her role as Mrs. Rawlings had just begun. And admittedly, in most situations, she’d done well. However, there were a few occasions she’d forgotten the significance of her new title. He didn’t want to spend his days worrying how her actions reflected upon him.
Claire said she wasn’t a spouse or a partner. That wasn’t true. He wanted her as both... however; Anthony Rawlings never shared control. His percentage always held more weight... therefore; it didn’t matter if she was bored: if he wanted her at the estate – that was where she would be.
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
Chapter 51
“Ms. Nichols, we’re almost to Palo Alto.” Grace’s voice penetrated Claire’s dream, resounding through the hum of engines. “Ms. Nichols, please return your seat to its upright position.”
Claire opened her eyes, seeing the luxurious interior of Tony’s private plane and the nice copilot standing before her. Recognizing she’d slept the entire flight, Claire slowly obeyed. She nodded at Grace as she pushed the appropriate buttons and returned her lounge to its chair position. It was true; no commercial seat, even in first class, could provide the comfort and serenity Claire had just enjoyed for over four hours.
As wakefulness came, so did hunger. Earlier in the afternoon she enjoyed one of her favorite meals: grilled salmon, asparagus, salad, and red potatoes. And since Tony claimed not to have requested the delicious menu, they both suspected Catherine. Nevertheless, as Claire adjusted her watch to Pacific Time, she realized dinner was over five hours ago. Contemplating her future, she wondered if the twisting in her stomach was hunger or the thought of her impending discussion with Harry and her future travel plans next Friday morning.
Claire wanted to talk with Harry, be honest, and explain her thoughts. The problem with her plan – Claire didn’t know her own thoughts. Harry deserved honesty; she wasn’t completely sure what that entailed. She truly never meant to lead him on – she liked him. Perhaps no one would believe her, but up until recently, she never expected to even consider allowing Tony back into her life. Even now she didn’t know if their charade was an act or if real feelings were emerging.
From the moment Tony left her in the jail in Iowa, she thought they were ancient history. If she didn’t, would she have spent hours upon hours sitting with Meredith Banks recounting some of the most horrific times of her life? Would she have spent day after day researching Tony’s family history? No – no, she wouldn’t.
And when he blackmailed her at the gala, she had no intentions to truly reconcile. It was all a sham. But ... Claire had to admit, there were moments... flashes of feelings. She tried to ignore them. Unfortunately, the press didn’t. Harry was right about some of the pictures; Claire wasn’t that good of an actress. The look in her eyes couldn’t be feigned. Nonetheless, that didn’t mean she wanted reconciliation. Well, not until... the little blue plus and pulsating black dot appeared.
If Claire allowed herself to somehow look past Tony’s faults and peer into the man who claimed never ending love, she could see his good. She could see what Catherine wanted her to see; he was trying.
As the plane descended, Claire struggled with her wedding portrait. Tony left her alone at the jail and stared at her every night above his fireplace. It didn’t make sense. And when she noticed it, he seemed surprised, obviously accustomed to its presence. She attempted to understand what he and Catherine tried to explain. Tony said he did what he did to save her – from him. Catherine explained Tony made two promises; he tried to keep one in a way as to also keep the other. Was that the loop-hole he mentioned? In San Francisco, after the gala, Tony reminded Claire of his promise to love her forever, made in front of family and friends. Claire needed to know the specifics of his other promise and confirm to whom it was made. Was it his grandfather, as she’d suspected, or the woman in the blue Honda?