was there to swindle me out of millions. I was there to take his head. I won.”
Isla was trying to comprehend all she was hearing. “But I just talked to you yesterday. How did you manage this in less than a day?”
“Do you want the truth?” Imogen asked.
“Yes. I’m sick of lies and manipulation.”
“Ben has been planning on taking Felix out of the picture for a while. He and I met when we were young. His family worked for mine, and I’m sad to admit, my parents’ thoughts on the whole Original bloodlines remaining pure were the same as Felix’s. Ben and I knew we were mates, but my parents sent me away to live with my aunt in Western Australia. Ben’s family was released from their duties, and they moved south. Once enough time passed my parents thought I’d forget my foolish notions, as they called wanting my true mate, they brought me home and introduced me to Felix.”
Ben stepped up to Imogen and wrapped an arm around her waist. “I spent my life watching over your mum. I also kept tabs on Felix and all his dealings. Our family wasn’t poor, just not from an Original bloodline. I mirrored Felix’s business dealings, remaining a few steps behind on purpose. When I was able, I approached your mum. I let her know I was there for her in case she ever needed me.”
Imogen caressed Ben’s face. “Ben and I have loved each other from afar for quite a while now, but when you called and told me what Felix plotted, I was done being the good and faithful mate. So I called Ben and told him it was time.”
“And I was just waiting for her call. Have been for years. I had plenty of time to come up with different scenarios on getting rid of Felix Hogan. If that makes me a bad Gargoyle, then so be it. I’ve waited eight centuries to be with my fated mate, and I won’t apologize for getting Felix out of the picture. Especially now I know what he tried to do to you and Rain. If you tell me where Nash is, I’ll take care of him as well.”
“He’s been handled.” Isla shook her head and laughed. “Damn, Mum. This is all… I don’t know what this is.”
“It’s the start of the rest of my life. Ben has offered to manage the business unless you want to come back and run it. If not, he’ll take care of everything so it will be waiting for Rain or any other children you have.”
“My life is with Remy and Rain in America for now. Ben, if you would manage the company, I’d appreciate it.”
“No problem. I have an excellent team ready to step in. Your mum has already asked that you and Rain be listed as the new owners. The paperwork has been completed. I happen to have a wonderful computer specialist on my payroll.”
Isla knew he meant a hacker, but she didn’t care. “And you’ve managed this in the last twenty-four hours? What if Nash were still alive?”
“Like I said, I’ve been planning this for quite a while. If Nash were alive, he wouldn’t be for long considering what he did to you and your son. I know I’m not your father, and we’ve never met before today, but I feel as though I know you already. Your mum has told me all about you and your family. I hope we get the opportunity to get better acquainted in the future.”
Isla studied her mother’s face. She wore a countenance of adoration, happiness, and contentment. It was something Isla had never seen before. Then again, being with your true mate was the only thing that mattered to a Gargoyle. That and the family you had with them.
“While we’re putting your name on documents, do you want to own this place?” Imogen waved her arm around.
“You don’t want it?” Isla didn’t want to hurt her mum’s feelings, but the castle was the worst place Isla could imagine living. Felix had purchased it after Isla and Remy were mated. When her mum wrinkled her nose, Isla snickered. “Uh, no thank you.”
Imogene winked at Isla. “Me neither. This is the gaudiest piece of property I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some doozies over the years. Okay, I’ll sell it and put the money in Rainier’s trust fund. Now, how about you introduce me to the males who accompanied you?”
Remy made the introductions since Isla had been mostly