Read Online The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow - Free Book Online Page B

circular ceiling—she guessed there were ten of them in all. They were different shapes and colors, most of them red, orange and yellow. It was like being in a cavern, with chandeliers instead of stalactites. But despite it being beautiful, Peyton made sure to look bored and uninterested. The last thing she wanted was for Adrian to think she was happy to be here.
    At the bottom of the escalator, Adrian walked through an archway with the words Five Diamond Steakhouse in cursive on the top. Peyton had never been to a restaurant this fancy. White cloths covered the tables, and silk drapes fell over parts of the burgundy walls. Bronze chandeliers that looked like hanging lamps dropped down from the ceiling, their golden glow bringing the restaurant to life. Not that it needed it. Every table was occupied with people engaged in lively conversation.
    The host spotted Adrian and hurried to the four of them. “Good evening, Mr. Diamond,” he said, bowing his head like Adrian was a king. “Your table is ready.”
    Most of the people dining looked up at Adrian as he walked by, whispering and pointing as he passed. How many of them knew he was the owner of the hotel? Even if they didn’t, Adrian had an air about him that announced he was someone important. He greeted people as they passed, shaking hands, smiling and joking like he was best friends with everyone. Peyton could see why people liked him. Why couldn’t he act this friendly around his own daughters?
    She supposed it made sense, though—dealing with teenagers wasn’t part of his job description, but making hotel guests happy was.
    His “regular table” was in the back of the restaurant in the private room he’d mentioned, and the two people he’d warned them about were already seated. One of them was a guy who appeared to be around Peyton’s age, and while he wasn’t as obviously good-looking as Damien, he was attractive. His face was round, and his green eyes had a faraway look, like he was trying to distance himself from the world. He was underdressed in a T-shirt and a black hoodie, but his mom must not have cared enough to tell him to change.
    At least Peyton was 99 percent sure that the woman sitting next to him was his mom. She had a young-looking face, with the same high cheekbones as the boy. She’d pulled her hair back in a bun, and the strand of large pearls around her neck gave her a regal appearance. Adrian smiled when he saw her, his eyes becoming soft and loving.
    Who was this woman, and why was Adrian looking at her like she was more valuable than any diamond in the world?
    “Girls,” Adrian said, “this is my fiancée, Rebecca Carmel, and her son, Brett. They’ll be joining us for dinner this evening.”
    Fiancée? Peyton looked at the woman in disbelief.
    Rebecca softly cleared her throat and shifted in her seat. She straightened her silverware, and Adrian rested a hand on her shoulder. Peyton couldn’t blame her for being nervous. This was an awkward situation, and Rebecca was now front and center.
    “You have a fiancée? ” Peyton finally said to Adrian, not caring that the doors to their private room were still open. “And you didn’t think it was important to tell us this first?”
    “I didn’t want you to have any preconceived ideas about Rebecca before meeting her,” Adrian said calmly. He motioned to the doors, and the host closed them as he left their room. “Plus, I thought this conversation might be easier for the three of you with a mother figure around.”
    “We already have a mother.” Peyton crossed her arms, standing her ground. “We don’t need another one.”
    “Maybe we should do this another time....” Rebecca reached for her handbag, and she looked so uncomfortable that Peyton felt a little guilty for being outwardly mean to her.
    “No.” Adrian put his hand on top of hers and slid into the seat at the head of the table, looking at her in what seemed like desperation. “It will be best for all of us if