Page 131 of Blue Gold

I stretched my hand, and he reached to take it but stopped at the last second.

“What are you going to do about the photos?” he asked.

“That’s a worry for tomorrow.”

“But—”

I grabbed his hand, and he let out a soft gasp in return.

“Let’s go to sleep.” I nudged him toward me.

Already accepting that those photos were out there, there was nothing I could do about it now. And besides, after what Elliot had told me, I connected the dots, and like I told Sherry this morning, my father could wait one more day.

42

DANIEL

Last night was one of those sleepless nights where you wished morning would never come, and not for the right reasons. With everything that had happened, I couldn’t catch a minute of sleep, and after shifting on my side of the bed for hours, I eventually gave up and moved to the living room. I put on the most idiotic film I could find, hoping it would distract me enough to doze off. It was no use—no matter what, the same unsettling thoughts gave me no break. And now, it was time to face those so-called thoughts.

With my hands shoved in my trousers pockets, I waited for the elevator to reach the right floor. When it tinged and the door opened, I stepped out. Walking with my head held high and with confidence that would last for miles, I made my way toward Father’s office, not minding the nerves twisting in my guts.

“Good morning, Mr. Williams,” Heather, Father’s new secretary after the latest one was fired, greeted me.

I replied with a nod.

“He’s waiting for you.”

Slipping my hand out of my pocket, I smoothed it over my tie, took a short breath, and walked into the monster’s den.

When the door closed behind me, I knew there was no going back, and I gulped, forcing down the fear. Regardless of today’s meeting, I always hated being here, as no matter the case, standing in this room made me feel like a kid. But I presumed this was my father’s intention with how he chose to decorate his office, going for dark wood and ridiculous black marble and gold decorations.

“Father—”

He stood up and pressed the intercom, connecting him to his secretary.

“Sir?”

“Have you faxed my son’s office the files I asked you to?” he snarled, voice tight.

“Of course, sir.”

“When?”

“Yesterday, sir. When you asked me.”

“Have they sent anything in return?”

“No, sir. Not yet.”

Father moved his finger from the intercom before slowly lifting his gaze to meet mine.

“Mind explaining why this hasn’t happened yet?”

I frowned at his question, which was nothing if not a distraction, and tightened my jaw at his way of beating around the bush. I knew he’d seen those photos, and after thinking about it all night, I had no doubt it was him behind it all. I mean, it was too easy, wasn’t it? First, getting divorced, then moving my boyfriend to live with me in his city. I bet my money Father had eyes on me this whole time and waited for the right moment he’d have enough evidence to use as leverage. Apparently, that moment came last night.

“I didn’t have the time to get to it yet,” I finally answered his question.

“And why’s that?” He sat back down in his chair.