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“Yes,” I answer weakly. “Amazing. I thought he didn’t get any scholarships.”
“This is a new one set up by a generous, anonymous donor. I hope I didn’t spoil an announcement. I thought you knew.”
I give her the gushing gratitude she’s seeking and hang up the phone. My brother and mother haven’t said anything, but why would they?
This scholarship is out of the blue. Could it have come from the same anonymous donor who paid for my prep school tuition and college degree? But that person hasn’t paid anything for Brayden, which is why I always suspected it could be my mystery dad who was too embarrassed to claim me but trying to throw me a bone from afar.
So it was Brick, then. It has to be.
Last Monday,she said. The first work day after the BFF ball. I remember every second of the event. I’ve replayed it in my head a million times, memorizing it like my favorite movie.
“You seem more of the bleeding heart type. Not one to sell out for money.”
He must’ve done some digging and figured out the real reason I took this job.
If I call him, he’ll deny it. He probably won’t even take my call. But if he thinks I won't be able to dig up the truth, he’s never met me.
I dial the development office at NYU. “Yes, this is Madison Ev-Everett, I’m Brick Blackthroat’s executive assistant?” I modify my last name at the last second, in case the financial aid department gets wind of this.
“Yes, Ms. Everett, what can I do for you?”
“I’m just calling to make sure everything is set up with the scholarship Mr. Blackthroat is sponsoring.”
“Let me look into that. Please hold.”
I pace in front of the cafe. Inside, Aubrey sees me and waves, looking puzzled as to why I'm here on a work day. I point to my phone and hold up a finger. She nods and grabs a cup, probably to make me a vanilla latte. I’m going to need it. With vodka.
“Yes, it looks like we were able to contact Brayden Evans the morning after we received the wire transfer from Mr. Blackthroat.”
“Great, I’ll let him know. Thank you for your help.”
He did it. He paid for my brother’s tuition. I’m breathless. The money is nothing to him–he has enough to pay the tuition of every undergrad in the States, if not the entire world.
But he spent it on my brother’s tuition. To free me from this job? Because I do mean something to him? What does it mean?
I head into La Résistance. Aubrey takes a look at my face and pushes a latte in my direction.
“You’ll never believe what the Big Bad Boss did this time.”
She nods and points to the tiny room at the back of the coffee shop. “Office. Now.”
ChapterTwenty-Five
Madi
The office is empty and not just because my boss abandoned me. The day before Thanksgiving break, Moon Co. employees have all cleared out early, leaving only a skeleton crew. When I walk into the lobby, my heels practically echo.
I don’t know how I’m going to go to dinner with my family on Thanksgiving and pretend everything’s well and good.
A part of me is tempted to quit. Leave my resignation on Brick’s desk and let his new assistant process it.
But no, that would mean he wins.
I need a reason to confront him. And my opportunity comes at five pm on the last day of work before Thanksgiving break. I take a call from the assistant of the lawyer who’s handling the land deal for the Blackthroat Family Foundation.
Emergency paperwork, he explains. We need Brick Blackthroat’s signature ASAP.
“My boss has left for the weekend, too. If I don’t get these signatures, she’ll fire me.” The young man sounds close to tears.
