The Divorced Duchess

02. Just Business

ROBERT
(edited)

"You are going to do great," the blonde woman I have known for the past six years said as she fixed my bow tie. She smiled up at me brightly. "I'll make sure you secure that investment tonight."

"Thank you, Daisy," I replied and patted the back of her hand.

I knew Daisy was the ideal person to have beside me tonight, but my heart yearned for the presence of the brown-eyed beauty I called my wife. This evening would be much more pleasant if she were here.

"Why so sad?" Daisy's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Her forest green eyes looked up at me through her false lashes with concern.

"It's nothing," I assured, but Daisy did not seem convinced.

"Rob-Rob," Daisy pouted, and I tried my best not to cringe at her antics and awful nickname for me. "I have been your best friend for l six years. You know, you can always talk to me."

"I know, Daisy," I said calmly. "It isn't anything out of the ordinary. I am just missing my wife."

"Oh." Daisy gave me a small smile. "Well, I promise to make this deal wrap up quickly. That way, you may return to Eleanor as early as possible."

"Thank you, Daisy. You're always helpful," I replied, giving her a grateful smile. "Now, let's get this over with."

"Okay." Daisy smiled as she laced her arm around mine.

We walked with the rest of New York's socialites through the side entrance. Only those close to the Maxwells, mostly all royals, were permitted through the main doors. It was the first time I felt lesser than others. Being one of the wealthiest men in New York, I had grown used to being the most significant figure in a room. However, at this ball, I was surrounded by people ten times richer and more powerful than me.

It did not help that the people I did know were looking at me with disapproving and gossiping gazes. They had not taken long to notice my wife's absence. I knew what they were thinking. It did not take much to realize what the situation looked like. It was the first ball I had attended in months, and I had arrived with a woman who was not my wife.

"If it isn't Robert and Ms. Gimbal," a familiar female voice stated.

I closed my eyes, hoping I had just imagined the voice, but as I looked up, I found a tall, raven-haired woman standing a couple of feet away—Isla Stewart. She was the only socialite that Eleanor had become friends with, much to my dismay. I do not know how or when the two became friends, but Isla made it clear from day one that she did not like me.

"Good evening, Ms. Stewart," I greeted politely.

Isla's dark brown eyes looked at the arm Daisy had wrapped tightly around mine. Her lips puckered into a sour smile as she turned to look back at me.

"It was quite a good evening until you two showed up," she said bitterly. "Tell me, how does someone like you get an invitation to such an exclusive event?"

"I got the invitations," Daisy butted in.

Isla lifted her thick brow. "Dare I ask how you secured two spots in this event?"

Daisy's mouth fell open at Isla's passive-aggressive insinuation, and I frowned at the brunette woman.

"I will not let you make such vulgar insinuations about my assistant, Ms. Stewart," I warned, but Isla did not back down. Instead, she let out a sour chuckle.

"Yet you'll humiliate your wife by bringing another woman as your plus one," she sassed. "Everyone will be talking about you two, and the news will hurt Eleanor."