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“Well, you’re a better man than me. And you don’t have to worry about any papers you left out. Any information you share with me directly or indirectly will always be kept in strict confidence, regardless of whether we have a professional relationship.” A calculating grin curved on his mouth.
“But I do hope you’ll consider moving some of your investments to my firm. I pride myself on individualized attention that you won’t get at some of the larger firms. You won’t be handed off to some junior portfolio manager, either. If you agree to work with me, you’ll only work with me.”
“Okay then. You’ve piqued my interest. How do you plan on making me even richer than I already am?”
ChapterTwenty
Imogene
I gazed out the window as my chauffeured car wound along the famous 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. The landscape was a vibrant display of perfectly manicured greens, each one framing a picturesque view of the ocean.
It was a bit ironic to think that the annual fundraising event for Samuel’s charity was a golf tournament in Pebble Beach. He despised golf. Worse, he hated the type of people who were able to afford to golf at Pebble Beach.
But when I started researching ways to keep Samuel’s charity going after his death, Liam essentially took over, claiming something like this could bring in a fortune.
He wasn’t wrong.
For the past few years, this one event alone had generated enough money to keep the charity running for an entire year. It also allowed it to expand its reach, providing more at-risk kids with a place to learn valuable skills in the hopes of avoiding a life of crime.
Despite all the good that came from the funds raised, a part of me couldn’t help but feel like this was just another way for Liam to put on a show and impress everyone.
As the car drew near the entrance of the hotel, a swarm of eager photographers lined the road, their cameras poised and ready to capture shots of the numerous celebrities Liam’s annual tournament attracted.
After a brief stop at the security gate, where the guard checked my name against the guest list, the Town Car crawled toward the front entrance. Within seconds of stopping, a valet attendant approached to open my door.
“Do you need help with your luggage, ma’am?” he asked as I stepped into the sunlight.The temperatures were lower up here than in San Diego, but it was still comfortable.
“That’s not necessary.” I shrugged my oversized purse onto my shoulder, then reached for the handle of my small roll-aboard suitcase. “I travel light.”
“Of course, ma’am. Check-in is just inside and to your right.”
I offered him my thanks, then followed his directions into the ornate lobby. The elegant space was a blend of dark wood and light walls, giving off an air of sophistication and luxury. Several people lounged on oversized couches, their conversations filling the room. The men were most likely discussing the stock market while the women were dishing on the latest gossip within their social circles.
It was the same conversations I’d heard countless times at similar gatherings.
“You’re finally here!” A pair of arms assaulted me, nearly knocking me over.
“I’m finally here,” I repeated, returning Melanie’s hug.
“It’s about damn time.”
Not giving me a chance to check-in, she hooked her arm through mine, leading me through the lobby and toward the open French doors.
We stepped onto the rear terrace, more pristine greens stretching out before us leading to the crystal blue ocean just beyond it.
“If I had to suffer through any more conversations about how difficult it is to find reliable help so these uptight bitches don’t have to change a diaper, I was going to lose my ever-loving mind.”
She didn’t even attempt to keep her voice low. It wasn’t like it was a secret, though. Melanie would say the same thing to your face that she said behind your back and not think twice about it.
I’d never been like that.
In a way, I shared a lot in common with Liam, always worried how people viewed me. While Liam was desperate to prove to his grandparents that they were wrong about him, I was desperate to prove to the world that I was nothing like my sperm donor.
That even though his DNA ran through me, I was my own person.
It wasn’t until I met Samuel that I learned to let go of those fears. He made me see it didn’t matter what people thought about me. The only thing that mattered was howIviewed myself. He taught me to embrace my true self, even the parts that society may deem as dark or taboo. Told me not to be ashamed by some of my hidden desires. That they didn’t make me a bad person. Instead, he showed me how to be empowered by them.
Much like Gideon did the other night.
