Page 173 of If You Claim Me

“Just fine,” I promise and focus my attention on my wife. I haven’t spoken to her since I broke both of our hearts, apart from a brief and tense hello at the hospital when Lexi gave birth to baby Ariel.

Hemi starts by thanking everyone for attending, and then the silent-auction items are claimed by their winners, most of which happen to be my teammates. Mildred is definitely on the edge of emotion as the total amount raised keeps growing, and then it finally reaches two million dollars.

Her voice wavers as she adjusts the mic and thanks everyone for their generous contributions.

I glance down at Meems with an arched brow.

“Whatever you’re thinking, you should do it,” she whispers.

I smirk and raise my hand, calling out, “My family would like to make an additional donation!” I wink at my father and head for the stage.

Mildred looks nervous. This is appropriate considering what she knows about my family dynamics.

Hemi gives me a look that tells me if I pull an asshole move, every single horrible promo op will be mine until the end of my time with the Terror.

My mother looks terrified, and my father looks like he wants to bury me. But Meems nods her approval. She and Mildred are the only ones who matter.

“I promise this will be good,” I assure Hemi when I reach the stage. She gives me the smallest of nods.

I turn to my wife. “You look beautiful.”

“What are you doing?” Mildred says through a tense smile and clenched teeth.

“Fixing the things I can for the people I care about.” I turn to the mic and raise a hand. “Hi, everyone.”

A confused murmur runs through the crowd. Someone takes a photo. Several phones rise, and the media covering the event move in. “A round of applause for Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst, Aurora Hammerstein, and Mildred Grace for their hand in organizing this spectacular event.” I clap, and everyone joins in. “And to all the incredible donors and sponsors who have helped raise two million dollars in support of Toronto Central Library’s community programming.”

More clapping follows.

“On behalf of my parents and my grandmother, the Grace family would like to make a donation in Mildred’s name.”

A collective gasp runs through the room and is echoed by my wife.

“Mildred has opened my eyes to the importance of library programming and free access to knowledge. My grandmother has always championed libraries, and in her honor we would like to match the funds raised tonight and double our donation, and we will continue to do so on an annual basis to ensure that these programs are able to continue indefinitely.” I turn to my parents. “Mom, Dad, and Meems, Mildred and I are so unbelievably grateful for your generosity. Thank you for supporting us.”

Mildred looks shocked, and my dad looks like he might burst into flames of rage.

But I’ve just secured funding for every program Mildred could possibly dream up, and I’ve spun a beautiful new lie that paints my family in a positive light. Now maybe my sisters will be able to leave the house without sunglasses before the next millennium.

“Thank you so much,” Mildred whispers into the mic.

My mother claps enthusiastically, her eyes full of emotion as she calls out, “We’re so happy we can support you both.”

Hemi steps in and takes over, and I reluctantly leave the stage and my wife.

Everyone claps and cheers as Hemi wraps up the auction.

My father leans in, speaking through gritted teeth, “How dare you?—”

“How dare I make you look good? How shameful am I now that I’ve saved your reputation and shone a positive light back on our family?” His mouth opens, but nothing comes out. “Don’t worry, though, I didn’t do it for you. I did it for my mother and sisters.” I clap him on the shoulder. “You’re welcome.”

CHAPTER 50

DRED

It takes another half an hour before Connor can get back to me through the throng of photographers and excited library staff. He looks beautiful, regal, uncertain, and hopeful. Meems is on his arm.

“Hi, Mildred.” My name from his lips makes my heart ache.