The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress
Chapter 142

Flair POV

"Why" I whispered, wiping my mouth and then rinsing it out with water as Grayson moved to rub my back "Is there some way you can get us out of testifying?" I asked him in desperation "Some sort of legal loophole or medical reason?"

My voice was filled with hysteria. I did not want to be in the courtroom with paparazzi, let alone an unhinged Charlotte Deluca. I didn't care if that made me a horrible person. I didn't care if my words seemed shallow. All I cared about right then was my feelings on the matter as I put my hand protectively on my stomach.

Grayson looked troubled. "Unfortunately, the pregnancy is not deemed high risk at the moment, and by the time the court case comes up, you won't be near your due date so it rules out that as well," he said tightly "and there are no loopholes coming to mind that would prevent us testifying against Charlotte. I'm sorry Flair" he apologized as I stared at him, feeling like I might burst into a flood of tears "but there's always a chance they might decide they don't need us if the evidence proves to be concrete." "Then why put us in this situation?"

"It prevents the defense from calling us as witnesses for their side," Grayson said thoughtfully "It might merely be a tactic. We'll replace out when the court case gets closer and the prosecution begins to show their hand."

Timothy looked wretched. "I'm so sorry Miss Flair, I didn't mean to upset you so much," he said, his cheeks flushed "Maybe I should have gotten Rachel to do it but she's suffering from morning sickness quite badly," he said shame-faced.

I waved a dismissive hand at him "No, Timothy, if she's sick she should be resting. I know she's having a difficult time with her own pregnancy" I said with a shaky smile "Is she doing okay otherwise?"

He smiled and nodded, looking relieved "Yes. We're very excited," he said "although she has hundreds of bridal magazines scattered over the place to plan the wedding" he added with a frown as I giggled "and has circled hundreds of dresses she can't possibly wear."

I tried not to snort. "Who are the dresses by?" I asked curiously.

"Miss F," he said frowning "Like who the hell is that? She kept muttering that Miss F best design her the best freaking amazing wedding dress or else."

I laughed. Timothy still looked confused. "I'm Miss F," I said giggling "Rachel is good at designing cocktail dresses and formal wear, I have a knack for designing wedding dresses. She's been circling the ones I've designed but she probably wants me to design her a maternity one. Actually, a maternity line wouldn't be a bad idea" I mused, thinking about it as Timothy's jaw dropped open and I became lost in thought "I mean there must be so many women who get married while pregnant and I bet it's difficult to replace dresses that fit" I continued, beginning to grow excited.

"Aren't you a woman of all sorts of talents?" Grayson said appreciatively.

Roscoe barked in agreement, making us laugh out loud. "I just like wedding dresses" I sighed, thinking about the one I never got to wear.

Grayson's eyes narrowed at me but he didn't say anything. He was probably thinking about the hasty wedding we had at the courthouse as well but I didn't have any regrets about it. The important thing was the person, not the dress or the ceremony, I consoled myself. Besides, I would get to attend Rachel's wedding which was the next best thing.

"Tell Rachel I got the message," I said to Timothy amused "loud and clear."

He grinned "Much appreciated. I'm sure it will make her happy."

Roscoe sat on his foot and stared at him defiantly. Timothy sighed and patted the stubborn dog, who wagged his tail and politely got off him now that he had what he was after.

"Have you chosen a date yet?" I asked.

Timothy frowned "No, but she wants the trial over and done with first," he said apologetically "so that it doesn't overshadow the wedding. She thinks that it will be something to celebrate and if we do it while the trial is still impending then...."

"It won't be as enjoyable" I finished, understanding Rachel's thinking "She's right too."

"Are the media still out there?" Grayson murmured.

A maid had cleaned up the mess of the mug while we spoke, surreptitiously staying out of the way. Grayson and I had hired a maid and a cook since the last time Timothy had been here, both agreeing it was necessary. She was very polite and reserved, which suited both of us quite well and she got along with Roscoe which was important to me.

"Yeah," Timothy acknowledged "but your bodyguards are doing a good job of keeping them back."

"Good," Grayson said viciously "Shame they can't take the cameras off them."

"The publicity will die down eventually," I said tiredly "Besides, think of your poor grandfather and Karen who are still constantly getting hounded, not to mention Johnathon. They are the ones they most want the interviews with. I'm surprised Karen isn't in front of the media trying to drum up support for Charlotte."

It was surprising to me. Karen had struck me as a woman who would stand by Charlotte no matter what, but she had been oddly quiet since Charlotte's actions had been laid out in public. As for Grandfather, he was laying low, refusing to speak a single word to the media, angry and defiant at Charlotte for what she had done to the Deluca name. Not to mention he wasn't even showing any interest in the company.

"She's probably been called to testify for the defense as a character witness though, so you should be prepared for that" Grayson warned me.

I nodded. It wouldn't matter if Karen wanted to testify or not, if she was called to the stand then she had to comply. I felt sorry for her. It had to be hard, being constantly harassed by the media and trying to avoid being in the public eye. I didn't even know if she was still living at the Deluca mansion or if Grandfather had finally had the courage to turf her out.

"Yes, that is strange, but I have heard rumors that she's started visiting Charlotte in the institution" Timothy divulged as I looked at him.

"That would be just like her," Grayson said petulantly.

"She's her daughter, of course she's going to forgive her at some stage," I said unsurprised "She would want to support her. Grayson don't hate Karen for that."

"Maybe if Karen had raised Charlotte so she hadn't been a spoilt rotten brat who got everything she wanted in life then maybe she wouldn't have turned out to be a vindictive, vicious b***h of a killer" he exploded.

"That's not fair," I said shaking my head at him as he bent his head "Charlotte is an adult who was aware of the consequences of her action. I know that Karen didn't raise Charlotte to your standards but don't put everything on her shoulders, Grayson. Some people can't be taught kindness and compassion, no matter how hard you try."

He looked apologetic. "I'm sorry," he said stiffly "that was going a bit too far."

"You're entitled to your opinion," I said nonchalantly and turned to Timothy "Can you let Rachel know I'll come to see her when it's safe to do so? I'll call her later" I decided "Knox gave me a burner phone so nothing can be traced."

"Course he did" Grayson muttered "Your brother seems to have a ready supply of just about anything high-tech and shady stuff" he added as I stared at him innocently.

"He's always been into technology" I defended him "and it's not shady it's merely....." I paused "Questionable. He has contacts in the military and other higher-ups who give him things to look into and try. He's a guinea pig" I added loyally. Grayson did not look impressed by my defense of my brother. I glanced away. He smirked. "Whatever."

Timothy cleared his throat, perhaps sensing the tension in the air. "Well I must go," he said calmly "Grayson I'll have those reports to you by the end of the day. All of your workload has been split up as you directed me to do and I'm slowly getting through your emails. Please keep an eye out on your personal one, do not click on anything suspicious. There are people trying to upload viruses onto your computer" he advised and Grayson just sighed and nodded with resignation. "Typical" he muttered with a slight tinge of anger in his voice.

"Thank you, Timothy," I said gratefully, hugging him "Give my love to Rachel."

"Will do Miss Flair" he said with an easygoing smile, before shaking Grayson's hand "And if either of you needs anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to call and ask okay.?"

He turned and opened the door, carefully sliding out while Grayson shut it and locked it behind him. Roscoe whined, disappointed his new friend was gone.

"I have a wedding dress to start designing," I said with a low murmur as he glanced at me "but I can do it out here in the lounge room."

I began to sit down next to my laptop. "I feel like I'm going insane," Grayson said irritably as I glanced at him "How long do you think this scandal is going to last?"

I met his eyes with a look of resignation and pity. He truly thought this would be over within a few weeks. The trial was going to take months. I gave him a loving smile as I rubbed my stomach and I chose my words with care, knowing how devastating they might be

to a man who was used to working, rather than being stuck at home "Grayson, this isn't over until her sentence is handed out. I'm afraid that if you're hoping they'll lose interest before then, you're about to be severely disappointed. Charlotte's the most exciting news of the year. They aren't going to give that up. Not unless something bigger and more scandalous comes up and what are the odds of that happening?"b