Fugitive Millionaire (Fugitive Millionaire Book One) Read Online Free Page B

encircles her small wrist. Her hair is styled in a tasteful up do.
    Claire wonders what it feels like to look that fabulous. She can tell Sloane spends plenty of her husband’s money on her appearance. She can’t help but wonder if Sloane married the older Gray Cooper just for his money. Could she sincerely love her husband while carrying on a secret affair with Nathan? Claire isn’t sure of the answer, but Sloane certainly fits the profile of a typical trophy wife.
    Claire senses that Fabian doesn’t want to make small talk with Sloane and her friends so she wants to hurry up and get this over with.
    “That’s a nice little dress, Claire. Is it designer?”
    “I’m sure it was designed by someone talented, but not famous.”
    “Well, whoever made it you look amazing tonight.”
    Claire isn’t sure if Sloane is being sincere in her compliment, but she doesn’t really care. She’s not out to impress anyone, except Fabian. “Thank you. You look amazing as well.”
    “So, how do you like my party?”
    “I’m having a really good time.”
    “It’s my very first charity party and I worked really hard to pull it off. I’m glad you’re getting a chance to see another side of me.”
    Claire assumes that Sloane is hinting that her slutty behavior with Nathan shouldn’t discount her high society efforts. Duly noted.
    “I just wanted to come by and thank you, Mrs. Cooper, for adding me to the guest list at the last minute. I really appreciate it.”
    “Fabian here asked me and I gladly made an exception for family. Besides, Nathan says you’re a hard worker, so you deserve this as much as any executive.”
    “Thank you. I guess Fabian and I will head off to see the art collection now. It was nice seeing you again.”
    Sloane manages a fake smile. “You too.”
     
    *****
     
    All the guests have left, including Claire Decker. Cooper mansion is quiet, except for the remaining catering staff cleaning up for the night. Fabian never imagined that he’d actually be glad he came to Sloane’s bash, but that’s the truth. He and Claire were inseparable from the moment she stepped foot on the estate. Even now, his heart is beating with excitement at the mere thought of her in that black dress.
    On his way to his quarters, he passes by the Art Room. This is where his family displays their most intriguing and special fine art pieces.
    “Fabian! Got a second to talk?”
    Fabian stops in his tracks. He doesn’t feel like dealing with Sloane after such a great evening. But, she is partly responsible for Claire coming so he decides to see what she wants. He walks into the Art Room and sees Sloane relaxing on the lounger in her gown. Her bare feet still have pink bruise marks from an evening of wearing her five-inch heel pumps. She smugly sips her brandy.
    “Yeah, I’ve got a few seconds to spare. What is it?”
    “Even you have to admit I pulled off a fantastic party for the charity.”
    “Okay, I’ll admit that you outdid my expectations.”
    “Good. I just wanted to hear you say it. You think I’m pretty useless around here, but I feel I bring a lot of value to the Cooper family. Keeping up appearances among the wealthy set is important. This event is going to get major publicity.”
    “Congratulations, Sloane. You have finally arrived. Happy?”
    “Quite. A number of people that came tonight think I’m not in their league. They talk about me like a dog behind my back. But, I think tonight is finally going to change all of that. They don’t have to like me, but they damn sure better start showing me some respect.”
    “Uh huh. Respect is earned, Sloane.”
    “I know that. Some people are harder to please than others.”
    Fabian is well aware that Sloane is desperate to win the approval of the most esteemed families in their social circle. While Gray is already a popular guy among the hoity toity crowd, Sloane is simply tolerated. She’s been snubbed by most of the wives. Fabian doesn’t blame them—they