Page 5 of Damaged Mogul

Reaching for the dignity I too often suppress in the hopes this man who I share DNA with would recognize me as his daughter instead of a mistake, I get to my feet.

My father’s eyes fly up to meet mine. “Where the hell are you going?”

For a man who’s so in-tune when it comes to business, he’s dumb as a rock when it comes to people.

“I get you’d rather I was never born.” I bite down tears. “I thought after so many years, you’d find it in your heart to accept me.”Even love me.

“Lily—”

“Don’t Lily me.” All eyes are on us. I can feel it. I hate calling attention to myself, but fuck it if I’m making a spectacle. “It’s your turn to listen.” I point at him. “I’m not expecting you to”—my voice cracks—“love me like you love your sons, but at the very least, respect me. You have two executive assistantsandone personal assistant who takes care of your social calendar?—”

“You know full well?—”

“Don’t you dare use the convenient excuse of them being new hires.”

His propensity for always finding a scapegoat is baffling.

Working for my father isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Employee turnover is as common as huge profit in his world.

He pinches his lips.

Yeah, I saw you coming a mile away.

He averts his gaze for the briefest moment, no doubt racking his brain for a clever retort.

He returns his attention to me, his expression more annoyed than ever.

I dig deep. “Your assistantsaren’tmy parents.Youare.” I point an accusatory finger at him. “They shouldn’t be the ones managing that part of your life. If you can’t remember my birthday without someone you pay reminding you, it tells me you value me less than gum under your shoe.” I’ve never seen my father speechless. “My best friend is the only one who acknowledged my birthday—and she lives an ocean away. I didn’t get so much as a text from the people I’m related to by blood, aka you or your sons.”

“You should’ve?—”

“Own up to the egregious error, Father.” I throw one of his favorite big words in his face.

His expression turns baffled, as though he doesn’t know what to make of me or my tirade. “Enough with the Broadway act.” He has the audacity to chastise me. “Sit down, and let’s have dinner like civilized people.”

I don’t give a damn about the warning in his voice. I stare him down, mustering up my courage. “In your world, I have little to no importance. When business isn’t consuming you, your sons are deserving of your attention, care, and pride.”And love.“You’ve made it clear over and over again, but never ascruelly as today.” I snatch my bag off the table and tuck it underneath my arm.

He lets out an audible sigh.

He doesn’t approve of my little performance.

I don’t approve of his indifference.

I square my shoulders and stare straight into my father’s eyes. “Enjoy the rest of your evening with your girlfriend. Even she gets to make it on your list of priorities.”

I get the hell out of the restaurant like the building is on fire. I refuse to give Fisher Edgington the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

I should’ve kept my expectations low for tonight––I knew it from experience. And yet, my stupid heart had hoped. And now my stupid heart is broken. Again.

Chapter 2

Lily

A week and a half later

“Lily Schuyler!” As I head to the hotel’s elevators, someone calls out my name.

I halt my step, forcing the bellboy walking alongside me to do the same.