Page 37

CHAPTER THIRTY

HARLOW

I don’t even remember walking out of the shop. One minute, I was hugging Mona and saying goodbye, and the next, I was packing an overnight bag and heading to Manhattan.

I didn’t care that Baz had his hands in this, but my father?

I tried to find one good memory. Just one where I felt like he loved me, but nothing came to mind.

There were no bedtime stories. No surprise visits after school to get ice cream like there were when my mom was alive.

I convinced myself that he cared about me in his own way. He just didn’t know how to show it.Now, I finally saw him for what he was.

When I stepped off the elevator, my dad’s receptionist, Rosanna, gave me a startled look.

She knew who I was. Everyone did. My old office was right down the hall.

It had a corner view and a job title that most people could only dream of.

But at that moment, I didn’t feel like I belonged there. Maybe I never did.

I walked past her desk, not even taking the time to greet her.I saw his office was empty, so I walked right in. The room looked the same as it always had, so I wasn’t sure why it felt different.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive mahogany desk with big leather chairs that were overpriced and uncomfortable.A bookshelf with limited edition books that he paid a fortune for but probably never read.

The office was all for show, just like him.

I crossed the room, needing to feel something other than the hurt twisting around in my stomach.

I walked around the perfectly polished desk and slumped in his chair. There was not a single picture of me anywhere. Only award plaques and brag photos of him shaking hands with celebrities and politicians.

I had no idea what possessed me to reach inside the top drawer. Maybe it was hope that I’d been wrong, that I’d find a school picture or one of the many birthday cards I gave him over the year. Something, anything that showed he actually cared.

There was nothing but ledgers, invoices, and business cards, all clipped neatly together. I was about to shove them back inside when something caught my eye. I recognized the logo at the top. It was a receipt for Bob’s Hardware store in Seneca Hills, NY.

My hands shook as I unfolded the piece of paper.

Adjustable Pliers, pipe wrench, screwdriver, gloves, bucket, and towels.

There was only one reason why he would have this receipt. Because he was guilty as hell.

I was holding proof that my father was behind what happened to my house.

I could hear commotion outside the office, so I stuffed the receipt in my purse as he entered the room.

“Did you find what you’re looking for?”

I looked up to see him standing in the doorway. He had his phone in his hand, typical arrogant expression, looking at me like my visit was nothing more than an inconvenience to him.

I was slowly coming to terms with the fact that that was all I was to him.

I took in a deep breath, trying to get my nerves to settle. “I came to clean out my office and thought I would stop by for a chat.”

He narrowed his eyes, but I didn’t flinch, which was a miracle considering how anxious I was.

“Really? Because it looks to me like you were going through my things.”

Oh, he had no idea. I wanted to call him out on what I found, but something told me to hold on to it. It was the only evidence I had connecting him to this mess, and I would not give up any leverage I had on him.

“Nope. I was looking for a key to the safe. I need to grab a few documents so I can apply for my marriage license.”

He placed his coat casually on the hook, like we were about to have a friendly chat about the weather. “So, you’re still planning on going through with it, huh? Maybe we should talk about that.”

My hands shook as I clutched my purse. “Actually, why don’t we talk about all the trouble you and your little sidekick are trying to cause.”

He closed the door, deliberately slow, and glanced briefly at his desk. “It’s unfortunate that we had to stop the construction on the house, but maybe if you hadn’t walked out on your wedding and everything we worked for, then things wouldn’t be such a mess.”

It didn’t go unnoticed that he used the word “we.”

“You’re not mad about the wedding. You’re mad because I embarrassed you and cost you a deal you’ve been working on for years.”

He stalked across the room and stared me down. “Can you blame me?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Please forgive me for not wanting to be married off into some loveless marriage so that you could close in on another piece of property.”

He planted his hands on his desk and glared at me. “I had high hopes for you. I gave you everything you needed to succeed in life. And this is how you pay me back? By walking away from everything I planned for you?”

He didn’t care that he hurt me. He didn’t care about anyone but himself. I was so done because he apparently didn’t care for me at all.

“Dad, I came here to end this once and for all. Years ago, you made sure that Brooks and I never had a chance. You threatened to destroy him and his family if I didn’t walk away, and I did because I was scared, but I’m not scared anymore.”

He walked over to the window and stared out at the skyline. “I was protecting you.”

“No, Dad. You were trying to stay in control. You knew how much I loved him. He was a threat to you and the plans you had for me. I allowed you to hold that over my head for years, but you can’t control me anymore. You took five years away from us. You tried to ruin him, and it didn’t work.”

He was calm and composed as he stepped away from the window. “I did what I had to do.”

“No, you tried to destroy him, so I would come running back. You wanted to remind me that you always win, but you’re not winning this time.”

His expression hardened. “Just because he’s still standing doesn’t mean I’m done with him.”

“Go ahead. Keep threatening me, but understand this: If you do, I will go public and tell every reporter and news outlet that will listen to me that my engagement to Baz Zimmerman was nothing more than a contract. That you and Senator Zimmerman were working together. I’ll make sure to tell them everything. ”

“Careful, Harlow. Daughter or not, I don’t take kindly to threats.”

I smiled. “I learned from the best. You raised me to be strong. You just never expected me to turn that strength on you.”

He didn’t react. Simply stared at me like I was some spoiled teenager who was having a temper tantrum.

“Just because you are my daughter, doesn’t mean you won’t face consequences.

If you walk away from me and this life, you walk away from everything that comes with it.

The money, the connections, you will lose it all. Everything comes at a price.”

“I’ve already paid the price, Dad.” I met his eyes, feeling a dull ache in my chest. One that will probably never heal, but I had to remind myself that what I had waiting for me in Marcellus Falls was so much better than this.

“I don’t want this life. So, I would appreciate it if you stayed out of mine.

If you try to interfere with me or Brooks again, you will regret it. ”

He tilted his head. “Don’t forget who you are talking to. I am still your father.”

“No. You had a chance to be my father, and you blew it,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm.

“I did everything you asked of me. Everything. I showed up at every fundraiser. I smiled for the cameras, dated who you wanted me to. I tried so hard to be the perfect daughter. The one you wanted, but in the end, you only wanted a puppet. Something you could control to get what you wanted.”

He leaned against the desk and studied me like I was some project he was trying to figure out.

I looked around his office. It was filled with framed degrees and awards sitting on glass shelves.

It was all about him. It was cold and stiff.

Even the plants in the corner looked fake.

Everything in his life had a place, except I was the one who never fit.

It was such a moment of clarity, one that I wished had come five years ago.

“You want to walk away, fine. You go right ahead, but you will regret it.”

I shook my head because he still didn’t get it. All those years, I tiptoed around him, careful not to make too much noise, got the best grades, all so I could earn his love. Now, I realized I was trying to earn something from him that couldn’t be given.

“I don’t think I will.”

He shook his head. “I thought you were smarter than this, but I see now that I was wrong. You don’t have what it takes to make it in my world.”

“I do have what it takes. I just want no part of your world. Your world is empty. You want a perfect little robot, but I am a human being. I have feelings, hopes, and dreams. I’m done letting you push me around.”

“Push you around? That’s rich coming from a girl who is turning on her father.”

“All I ever wanted was your love and approval.”

“You had my approval when you agreed to marry Bartholomew Zimmerman. I wanted you to marry into a good family. Carry on my family legacy. I did what was necessary.”

“Dad, I’ve spent my entire life pleasing you, trying to satisfy you, but it’s time I start choosing myself.

If you have any fatherly instincts left in you at all, you’ll want me to be happy.

” I stepped around his desk and met him head-on.

“I know I will never be the daughter you envisioned, and I’m done trying.

I don’t need your approval anymore, but let me say this,” I stepped closer, and his eyes narrowed.

“If you ever try to interfere with my happiness again, you will find out how far I am willing to go to protect the man I love.”

He glanced down at his watch, like he had more important things to deal with. “Is that all?”

“One more thing,” I said, ready to be done with this conversation. “I made a few calls. Construction starts back up tomorrow. The town cleared the permits. If you so much as step foot on my property or do anything to interfere again, you will be hearing from my lawyer.”

Without saying another word, I turned and walked out the door. I didn’t say goodbye because he didn’t deserve it.

My footsteps echoed in the long, empty hallway. I paused by the office that once was mine. The small space that held so many dreams and possibilities. Now, I realized it was nothing more than a prison cell of my own making.I turned away, not bothering to take anything.

As I neared the bank of elevators, I almost didn’t notice him.

Baz was walking out of a conference room. There was a pretty redhead grinning up at him. There was red lipstick on his neck, and his tie was crooked. He stopped in his tracks when he spotted me and did a double take.

His smile was smug as he leaned against the wall. “Harlow, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be back in Marcellus Falls, baking cookies or running a yard sale? Or did you finally come to your senses and come back to beg for my forgiveness?”

I took in a slow and steady breath and gave him a once-over.

Expensive suit, polished shoes, and a cocky grin that had no right to be there.

“Like that would ever happen, but I’m glad I ran into you, because I have something to say and you’re going to listen.

” I smiled sweetly while adjusting the strap of my purse.

“Stop lurking around town and trying to cause trouble for me and my fiancé. Whatever plan you and my father had is over.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I stepped forward, just enough to smell his sharp, expensive cologne. “Don’t play dumb. It doesn’t suit you.”

He scoffed. “You’re the one who started it when you embarrassed me.”

The girl standing next to him went quiet. She looked like she didn’t want to be in the middle of this, so I kept my attention on him. “You embarrassed yourself, Bartholomew.”

He hated it anytime someone used his full name, which was precisely why I said it.

He looked annoyed. “You think you can find someone better than me? Good luck to you, sweetheart. Have fun with your little broke builder.”

I let out a small, breathy laugh. “Oh, I plan on it, so listen to me very carefully. If you keep showing up, trying to cause problems for us, then the entire world will know that you’re not the golden boy you make yourself out to be, and that’s the last thing your dad needs right before an election. ”

He folded his arms, trying to appear more confident than he was. “Do you seriously think you can threaten me? Have you forgotten who I am?”

“No, I didn’t forget.” I smiled sweetly as I pressed the button on the elevator. “But like I told my father, I’m done caring.”

And with that, he finally shut up.

When the doors finally closed, I sank against the wall and blew out a deep breath. I was ready to leave all this behind and start my new life.

I pulled out my phone and clicked on Molly’s name. I typed out a quick text asking her to call me when she got a chance.

And when I stepped outside onto the bustling streets of New York, I felt free as a bird and was ready to go home.