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“Let me make this clear again. I am the one here. I know my business. We will speak to those matters privately if you have questions about contracts. Otherwise, discussion of Angelos Shipping or my family is off the table.”
“I agree with her.” Simon Drakos spoke. “We never question the succession of power when tied to blood. She is the true Angelos. This is her seat.”
Nico Mykos spoke next. “I second Drakos. This is meaningless jockeying for power that wastes our time. Galani, accept a woman is at the table and shut up.”
“She has no standing here. Those two behind her run things.”
“Believe what you want.” I shrugged.
Tobias decided to join in. “All you have to do is clear up the rumors.”
“I have nothing to prove. Let me repeat. Believe what you want.”
“You don’t even deny it?” Tobias questioned me as if he were a big brother expecting answers.
I gave him a deadpan stare and then asked my question. “There are rumors concerning you. Something to do with the paternity of your nephew. Would you like me to ask about that?”
Rage lit Tobias’s eyes, then cooled, and he nodded. The demeanor of his face changed, and he cocked his head a fraction taking me in as if he saw me differently now.
“You’re correct. Our personal lives have nothing to do with business.”
Okay, then. I won a round. Or was that two, since I’d passed that test with Artemis?
Whatever. I had to focus.
“We are not dropping this.” Dante’s irritation grew, making me wonder what was truly behind his dislike for me. “If you can’t answer to the rumors, then it’s true. You’re their whore.”
Artemis jumped in. “That’s enough.”
Using that word sent fire rushing through my blood, and I clenched my teeth. No, this man wanted to wound me, make me lose my calm.
Keep going, asshole.
“No, no. Let him get it all out. I’m sure he has more to add to this tirade.” My indifferent tone caused a crease to form between his brows. “This is misogyny at its finest.”
My dig seemed to have passed over his head because his following words gave me visions of punching him. “Your reputation is at stake. Are they your lovers?”
“This line of questioning is ridiculous,” someone said from the other side of the table.
“We have other things of greater importance to handle.” Artemis’s patience had run out. “Anthony, get your father in order.”
“Yes, get him in order. It may become detrimental to your family’s future business endeavors.” I let the not-so-veiled threat linger in the air.
It wasn’t Andraius he’d negotiated with, but Papa. What he planned to do with Andraius was a renegotiation with terms more favorable to Galani Shipping. Too bad those things would never happen now. And if he kept digging this grave, the contract he made with Papa might never be executed.
Yep, I was that kind of petty.
“Don’t think you can square off against me.” Dante glared at me as if he could intimidate me. “No one will take her seriously if they question her rise to her seat or her morals. We need to know the truth behind the rumors.”
From my periphery, I saw Xander shifting, ready to act. His need to protect me and my honor warred with letting me fight this battle.
“Are you questioning my authority based on who shares my bed?” I lifted my brow, but before he could answer, I continued, “You should answer the same question. I’m not married. I’m a widow, and I can do anything I please. You, on the other hand, are married and have three mistresses.” I shifted my attention to his side. “Anthony, did you know your father is giving you another sibling later this year? Isn’t that six from his paramours?”
Anthony gave no reaction, but Dante’s face grew redder.
“I am your elder. You will not speak to me as such.”
“No, I am your equal, and you will show me respect, especially at this table. I can play the same games you can. I’m probably better at it since I’m Peter Angelos’s daughter. You remember him, don’t you? The man you claimed was a dear friend and an ally.”
