Page 66 of Pandora's Pleasure

“She’s one of our biggest donors.”

“No! Dad…”

He wouldn’t do this to me. Not to his son. I’d dedicated my life to his ambitions.

A knock at the door distracted him. “Come in,” he shouted.

Theo peered in. “Sir, your 11:00 A.M. is here.”

Dad looked vaguely apologetic. “We’re out of time, son. Let’s pick this up next week.”

My back stiffened. “Next week will be too late.”

I was being unceremoniously ushered out. With my pride decimated I gave a respectful nod and walked through the door Theo was holding open.

Once the door had closed behind us, I glared at my friend. “How can this not be a priority for him? How could he not fight for me?”

“He’s got a lot to deal with, Damien.” He clutched my shoulder. “I’m assuming he told you to take a few days off. I think that’s a good idea.”

“What will I say to the construction crew? What will it make me look like?”

“Cathy’s on this,” he said. “Your dad’s executive director has everything covered.”

“No. This is my mess. I’ll clean it up. I’ll reach out to everyone.”

Theo gave a shrug. “Your dad needs you at one hundred percent. No distractions.”

This wasn’t about money. It was about political leverage. My father had sold me out for influence. If Helen King was involved, a deal had been brokered in private. She was a brilliant strategist, but her price was always way too high.

Adrenaline surged through my blood. This betrayal would never go away.

Theo was watching me carefully. “Need a minute?”

I straightened, making a mental vow to put this right. “Stall for me. That place is getting built or there’ll be blood spilt.”

Theo went to speak but thought better of it. Instead, he motioned for us to head toward a quiet corner. “How are things with Pandora?”

“If you’re going to change the subject at least be less obvious.”

He smirked.

I zeroed in on what he was insinuating. “Things are fine. Why?”

“Did you talk to her about the key pendant?”

That’s right. Theo had seemingly tried to protect my innocent fiancée back at the St. Regis last night.

I gave a casual shrug. “The pendant was a gift. She had no idea.”

“Damien, I know what I saw.”

“What was that?”

“A Vanguard clavis.”

“Now’s not the time.”

He moved closer. “She knows you’re a member.”