Chapter 83
Chapter 83:
Isolde felt heat rise in her cheeks. Not shame. Rage. Pure, molten rage.
“Excuse me p>
A hand settled on Isolde’s shoulder. Warm. Firm.
She turned.
𝖱e𝖼o𝗆𝘮еոd 𝘵𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝘂𝗿 𝖿𝗋𝘪𝗲n𝘥𝗌
Arland Roth stood there in a casual linen suit, looking as though he had just stepped off a yacht — completely, infuriatingly at ease.
“Sorry I’m late,” Arland said, his voice smooth. “Traffic on Fifth is a nightmare p>
Grayson’s face went slack. “Roth? What are you doing here p>
Arland ignored him entirely. He crouched down and peered behind the coat rack.
“Hey there, little one,” Arland said softly. “I’m Arland. Remember me p>
Effie peeked out. She studied his eyes — crinkled at the corners, kind. She nodded slowly.
Arland stood and walked to the counter. He produced a card from his pocket — not plastic, but heavy anodized titanium.
“The lady and the child will take everything they’ve selected,” Arland told the sales associate. “And add the winter collection for the girl. She’s going to need a warm coat.” He set the card down with a quiet click. “Put it on the Orbital account. Employee welfare p>
Grayson stepped forward, fists tightening. “You’re paying for her clothes? Is that what she is now? A charity case p>
Arland turned and regarded Grayson with mild amusement. “Charity? No. Isolde is my Chief Engineer. This is a signing bonus. We take care of our talent, Lancaster. We don’t starve them.” He glanced pointedly at the black card in Grayson’s hand. “You can keep your department store buyout. We prefer quality over quantity p>
He picked up the shopping bags the clerk had assembled.
“Ready to go?” Arland asked Isolde. “The realtor is waiting p>
Isolde looked at Grayson. He was turning a shade of purple she had never seen before — impotent, diminished, small.
She hooked her arm through Arland’s. “Yes. Let’s get out of here. The air is stale p>
They walked out, leaving the trio standing amid the racks of expensive clothes.
“I can’t believe him!” Belle shrieked as they disappeared through the doors. “Gray, do something p>
“Shut up, Belle,” Grayson snapped.
Outside, the air was clean and bright.
“Thank you,” Isolde said quietly as they waited for Arland’s car. “You didn’t have to do that p>
“I enjoyed it,” Arland grinned. “Besides, you represent Orbital now. Can’t have you walking around in rags p>
In the back seat of the car, Effie reached out and touched Arland’s sleeve.
“You’re nice,” she said. “Not like Daddy p>
Arland’s expression softened into something profound.
“Thank you, Effie,” he said. “That’s the best compliment I’ve ever received p>
The apartment in Tribeca was a fortress of glass and concrete. The lobby was quiet, manned by a doorman who looked as though he had once played professional football. He nodded at Arland.
“Mr. Roth. Good to see you p>
“This is Ms. Carson,” Arland said. “She’s the new resident of 4B. Full access p>
The elevator opened directly into the unit. It was spacious, with wide-plank oak floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the Hudson River. Clean lines, open space, uncluttered by anything unnecessary.