Page 59 of To Steal a Heart

Arden wasn’t familiar with the Bergmans or their diamond. She told Jenna that she wasn’t up for doing the event. Jenna suggested that before Arden made her final decision that she look up the Bergmans. When Arden learned who they were, she knew she needed to do the reading. Astor Bergman, a New Yorker, had built his fortune from a conglomerate of businesses—storage units, dry cleaners, car washes, and the like.

As for the pink 15.79-carat diamond, it was discovered in India in 1936. Albert Finkle, an oil and shipping magnate, purchased the diamond in 1937 at Christie’s Auction House for his new bride, who died of pneumonia a month later. The diamond was kept in Finkle’s private collection until 2016, when it was purchased again at Christie’s by Astor Bergman.

Arden called Jenna back that same day and said that she would be honored to do a reading. Once the wheels were in motion and a date was set, Talon crafted a PR campaign, which is probably how Garrett learned of the event.

A week ago, he’d broken into Arden’s bedroom in San Francisco and added a new charm to her bracelet—a pink diamond. That’s how Arden knew that Garrett was coming for it. She wondered what Garrett thought when he saw the bracelet on her nightstand. She’d dreamt about him that night, much as she had the other time he broke into her bedroom and added the tear charm to her bracelet. This time, however, she’d not awoken until morning. She cursed herself for sleeping so heavily. She wondered how Garrett would have reacted had she awoken and realized he was there. He’d kissed her … or at least she’d dreamt it that way. His lips had ignited the familiar all-consuming flame.

Why was Garrett taunting her? Playing some sick game? Why did he want her to know that he planned to steal the diamond? The crazy part was that she felt a strong connection to Garrett. That just went to show what a miserable sap she was. She fingered her bracelet and then lowered her hand when she realized that Grandmother was watching. Arden kept the bracelet tucked beneath the sleeve of her sweater. She wore it as a reminder to never be duped by anyone again. She was done with love.

Daniel Frank eyed Arden. “If Garrett tries to contact you in any way, I trust that you will contact us immediately.” He slid his card across the table.

She picked it up and glanced at it. “Of course.” She squared her jaw. “I want the thief caught.” She wanted Garrett behind bars. Even more than that, she wanted to remove him from her heart once and for all.

“So do we,” Daniel affirmed.

There was one other point that Arden needed to bring up. Otherwise, her conscience wouldn’t be able to rest. She cleared her throat. “Do you think we should warn the Bergmans that their diamond could be in danger?” Katia and her dad were coming to Honeysuckle Island because of her. Katia was holding the exhibit as a way to honor her mother’s memory. Arden couldn’t stand the thought of Garrett stealing from them. If he did, it would be Arden’s fault … in some roundabout, twisted way.

Madeline tipped her head. “The Bergmans have to know that anytime they put their diamond on exhibit that it could be at risk.”

“One could argue that the diamond will be safer here at the hotel than it would be in the Bergmans’ home,” Talon added.

“There’s no need to cause undue alarm,” Grandmother piped in. “The last thing we want is for the hotel to get a bad reputation. I say we keep this under wraps … for the good of everyone involved.” She looked at Arden as she spoke.

Ian pressed his lips together. “Agreed. No need to cause an uproar.” He looked at Arden. “Unless there’s some reason why Garrett would go after this particular diamond in this exhibit.”

He knows I’m holding something back!All eyes zeroed in on Arden as she swallowed. It was all she could do to keep her expression neutral. “Like I said earlier, it’s just a hunch. I probably shouldn’t have even said anything.”

“I’m glad you did. We need to be aware of any potential risks. It’s understandable that you would be paranoid, considering what happened at the Laramies’ home,” Madeline soothed. “You don’t need to carry that guilt. Sylvia collected the insurance money. She’s moved on. You should too.”

If only.It was one thing for Sylvia to have her father’s mask stolen and quite another for some slick-talking charlatan to steal Arden’s heart. No compensation on earth could ever make what happened right. Her chest squeezed. She had to find a way to get over the hurt. Otherwise, it would destroy her.

Talon drummed his fingers on the table. “If there’s nothing else …” He looked around the table.

“I think that’s it,” Madeline concurred as she scooted her chair back and stood. Her gaze moved from the FBI Agents to Ian. Her voice was crisp and professional. “I trust that we’re in good hands. Ian, you’re overseeing the private team, is that correct?”

“It is,” he answered.

“Good,” Madeline clipped. “Thanks, everyone, for coming.”

Arden stood along with everyone else at the table except for Grandmother, who remained seated. Arden assumed Grandmother wanted to wait until everyone left before she got up and made her exit. Her labored and twisted steps were an embarrassment to Grandmother. If anyone mentioned a word or tried to help her, she lashed out. It was a relief to have the meeting over with. Arden had done her duty and raised a warning voice. Whatever happened next was out of her hands. Would Garrett come for the diamond? She hated herself for the traitorous prickles of anticipation that popped over her skin as she thought of him being in close proximity. If only her heart would get the message that he was a lying, cheating thief!

Talon and Ian walked out with the FBI Agents.

Mom turned to Arden with a chipper, “What’s next on your agenda?”

“I’m going back to the house and working on the plot for my next book. Also, I’ll go over the chapter that I plan to read tomorrow.” She was staying at the mansion where she’d grown up—in her old room. It was nice being home for a few days. Arden planned to stay the duration of the exhibit before heading back to San Francisco. She’d become too much of a hermit the past few months. It would do her good to be around people.

“You could take a day off and relax,” Mom suggested. “Why don’t you go and visit Olivia at the gallery? I’m sure she would love to see you.”

Arden knew that Mom was worried about her. She’d lost too much weight and was a bit pale. A broken heart did a number on a person, that was for sure. “Don’t worry,” Arden said lightly. “I plan to spend plenty of time with Olivia while I’m here.” She was looking forward to getting together with her bestie, but she wanted to get the reading and gala over with first.

“Good,” Mom sighed. “You need some downtime. You work too hard.”

“Nah,” Arden countered as she tucked Agent Frank’s business card into her purse. Work was her salvation. She didn’t know what she would’ve done had she not been able to pour herself into writing. She’d only thought that she was upset over her breakup with Hector. That had been child’s play compared to the searing hurt she felt over Crew’s betrayal.It’s Garrett, she corrected.There is no Crew.Crew was a cleverly concocted illusion designed by a pro to make her fall in love with him.

“I forgot to ask. Did your gown and mask for the gala arrive?”

“They did.” The gala was a masquerade theme. Arden wasn’t sure if that was the greatest idea, considering how it would be much easier for Garrett to come and go as he pleased if he were masked. However, the theme was set when the planning took place—long before Garrett entered her bedroom and added the pink diamond charm to her bracelet.