The Grass is Greener by Loretta Hill

started at the family firm as young lawyers, they had competed neck and neck to become managing partner, a position held until just recently by Cyril’s older brother, Robert. Bianca had gone so far as to marry the man to increase her chances of being his successor. However, when Robert had left the firm to become a judge, he had chosen his brother instead of his wife to take the reins, giving further proof to the old saying, ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’
    Bianca Hanks took any opportunity she could to undermine Cyril’s authority. Seb may have been low in the pecking order but he was well versed in reading people … particularly the dangerous kind.
    He grabbed the box of tissues beside the in-tray and passed it to Cyril. ‘Here you go, sir.’
    Cyril met his eyes gratefully for a second longer than necessary. ‘Thank you.’
    â€˜Oh, for goodness sake, Sebastian,’ the other partner at Bianca’s elbow reprimanded him, striding past the client, who was looking rather bewildered. ‘How could you be so careless? He’s soaked.’
    â€˜It was an accident,’ Seb apologised. ‘My hand slipped.’
    â€˜So I saw,’ Bianca threw at him. ‘It seemed almost deliberate.’
    â€˜Hardly,’ he said quietly. ‘Shall I go source you another pair of pants, sir?’
    â€˜That would be ideal,’ Cyril nodded tightly before turning to Bianca. ‘Your abrupt entry startled him, my dear. Next time please ask my secretary to summon me to the boardroom. In the meantime, I think we might have to reschedule.’
    â€˜What are you waiting for?’ Bianca had snapped at Seb. ‘Those pants aren’t going fetch themselves.’
    â€˜Of course.’ Seb nodded and dashed from the room.
    After that Cyril had taken a great deal of interest in Sebastian’s progress at the firm. He noticed he was smart, he noticed he was fast and he noticed his phenomenal attention to detail. He’d given him advice and encouraged him to realise his potential. Before Seb knew what was happening he was being sponsored through a law degree and offered a job too. Cyril had been far more paternal towards him than the biological father he had barely known.
    And, yes, because of all that he did permit the old man certain liberties, but there were some boundaries he didn’t like anyone to cross.
    â€˜Is there a point to this conversation?’ he demanded.
    â€˜Don’t you want the comfort of companionship? Someone who actually cares if you don’t come home at night?’
    He folded his arms. ‘Why do I need someone to care if I don’t come home?’
    â€˜Everybody needs that, Seb. When I was your age I was married with two kids.’
    â€˜Good for you.’
    â€˜Damn straight. Nothing makes this job easier than a good wife, Seb. You need a support system with the hours we do. I don’t know what I’d do without Maggie.’
    â€˜Believe me, Cyril, if I wanted to get married there are plenty of women out there who would help me out.’ He shuddered. ‘Just the other day I met an interesting piece of work at Seashells on Clarabel Terrace.’
    â€˜Did she propose to you?’
    â€˜No, but when she found out I wasn’t interested, she insulted me.’
    â€˜Insulted you?’
    â€˜Said I clearly had no friends on account of my lack of faith in humanity.’
    Cyril chuckled. ‘She might be onto something.’
    â€˜Subterfuge is what she’s onto,’ Seb retorted. ‘Said you were her uncle, too. Haven’t got any hot brunettes in your family, have you?’
    Cyril eyed him shrewdly. ‘So she was good-looking, then?’
    â€˜Like a Venus fly trap.’
    â€˜Then, no, she can’t possibly be a member of my family.’ Cyril laughed. ‘None of us has that allure. Of course, I wouldn’t risk any of my loved ones on you after the care