Secrets Of The A-List (episode 6 Of 12)

By Michelle Major

Revenge is a dish best served with champagne

Better whet those appetites – Mariella Marshall's children are coming for their weekly family dinner; only, this menu is complete with a juicy side of drama. And nobody does drama like Mariella's backstabbing sister, Ana. But of course, every good hostess knows to save the best for last – and this supper of secrets is no exception. The Marshalls had better leave room for dessert, because there is one more shocking dish they won't want to miss!

Super Rich. Super Sexy. Super Addictive. Secrets of the A–List – read all 12 episodes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: Oct 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781489249968

Michelle Major

USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers and a menagerie of spoiled furbabies. Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com.

Book preview

Chapter One

Gabe looked from his cousin to the housekeeper, mentally assessing the situation. Tension crackled in the air. Luc’s eyes flashed with anger, whether at Vanessa or from being interrupted, Gabe couldn’t tell. In contrast, the beautiful housekeeper’s big chocolate-colored eyes were filled with tears.

Something was wrong between these two, and like a bloodhound on a scent, Gabe was determined to get to the truth. What the hell is going on in here?

It’s nothing, Luc muttered, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket and studying the screen.

I’m simply upset about Mr. Marshall, Vanessa said quickly, unwilling to meet Gabe’s gaze, and the toll this accident is having on Mrs. Santiago-Marshall and the rest of the family. Luc was offering some words of comfort and encouragement.

Right, Gabe answered. In his experience, members of a house staff didn’t become emotionally involved in the lives of the people who paid them. As long as the weekly check kept coming, why would someone like Vanessa care so much about Harrison’s well-being?

The Fixer had ensured none of Harrison’s children suspected their father had a wandering eye. But as far as Gabe knew, his uncle hadn’t ever had a dalliance with the young housekeeper. Which led Gabe’s thoughts back to Luc.

Gabe eyed his cousin carefully, but Luc’s face was an unreadable mask even as his icy blue stare landed back on the housekeeper.

Vanessa swiped at her cheeks. I need to check on Mrs. Santiago-Marshall, she whispered and hurried away.

Gabe could have sworn her fingers brushed Luc’s as she moved past. Interesting.

Have you heard anything new about my dad? Luc demanded, hands on hips.

It was a conspicuous change of subject, but Gabe played along. No sense alerting Luc to his suspicions regarding Vanessa at this point.

Your father’s condition is unchanged, Gabe answered, frustration creeping up his spine. We’re waiting to hear back from another doctor, this one in London.

Of all the situations he’d fixed over the years, his numerous skills couldn’t seem to do anything to help the one man who meant the most to him.

Gabe hated feeling powerless. It reminded him too much of his childhood before he’d come to live with his aunt and uncle at Casa Cat. Any kid would have been happy to be raised on the stunning Spanish revival estate. The massive theater room in the basement and the enormous pool had made the Marshall kids—plus Gabe—the envy of all their friends. But Gabe was mostly grateful for the love and stability his aunt and uncle had shown him.

Luc gave a curt nod. What about Rafe and Elana? Have you heard how their trip to Paris is going?

Gabe bit back his annoyance at being interrogated by his cousin. Luc assumed Gabe was content to be the family’s workhorse, keeping tabs on individual schedules like a social secretary. He had no idea how much influence Gabe truly wielded behind the scenes. Gabe took a deep breath before answering. His power in this family was indisputable, even if no one other than Harrison understood that.

They get home today, he said, earning another nod from his cousin. I’ve arranged a car to pick them up at LAX.

My brother and sister are flying commercial? Luc asked with a small laugh.

Gabe inclined his head. Rafe suggested the company jet stay at the hangar in case we needed it for an emergency with your dad. I’m guessing Elana took some convincing, but it made sense.

Good thinking on Rafe’s part. Maybe Elana won’t notice she’s flying commercial. She’ll still be on a high after all of that shopping for the wedding. Do you think Elana and Thom will really go through with it?

The wedding? Gabe asked, although he understood Luc’s question. But he wanted to draw out his cousin and determine if Luc had any idea of the secret Thom was keeping from his bride-to-be.

Yes, the wedding. Can you really imagine Elana settling down to domestic bliss? Thom’s a nice guy, but my sister has never had a thing for nice guys. Not for long, anyway. He might be a little too much on the straight and narrow to keep her attention.

Gabe hid his smile. Clearly Luc had no idea that Elana’s fiancé wasn’t on the straight path to anything. Thom definitely made a mess of things at the engagement party. Maybe you’re not the only one who’s worried about Elana getting cold feet.

Chances are the reality of what Thom is taking on with Elana has finally started to sink in. The Marshalls and the Scotts have always been friends, but this wedding will take things to a new level. Thom is going to have his hands full. He might care about Elana, but that doesn’t mean he’ll want to deal with her shenanigans for the rest of his life. Our mom is old-fashioned in her opinion of marriage. If she has her way, Elana and Thom will be tied together forever.

You paint a dismal picture of wedded bliss, Gabe said quietly.

I’ve got nothing against marriage. But you have to choose the person who’s the best fit. If a man is going to spend an entire life with one woman, he’d damn well better make sure he picks the right one.

What about you? Gabe