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“You’re letting his wealth blind you,” Logan tries to argue. “I’ve done my research on Nathan Reid, and he’s been caught in the same schemes that brought us to Topica Bay to begin with. I’m surprised you’d want the Anderson name associated with a reputation like his.”
There’s a thump on top of the desk, and through the small gap along the bottom, I see Silas’s shoes. Sweat builds along my temples and at the base of my skull as I tuck myself into a tighter ball.
“I know you and Mays don’t see eye to eye, but if we continue putting up condos at the rate we’re going, we’ll drive up property taxes, displace more local families, and destroy everything unique about Topica Bay that attracts our customers to begin with. We’ll be inhibiting the natural growth of the island, instead of helping it flourish.”
Yes!
“Are you suggesting we stop expansion? That we let our competitors take what could rightfully be ours?” Silas’s tone is pure, restrained fury, but still, Logan tries to reason with him.
“No, but don’t you think we have enough? If you’re wanting a larger profit, then tearing down more homes and businesses may not be the answer… Not when we can narrow our focus on enhancing the properties we already own or focus on areas in need instead.”
“You act as though I’m ripping food from people’s mouths,” he says defensively.
“No, Dad. You’re not even listening to what I’m saying. I’m trying to present a broader view of how quickly you’re expanding and the potential impact it could have on these communities.”
“That bleeding heart of yours is exactly why I haven’t given you full range to make decisions for this company.” Silas sighs, long and deep. “These homes and businesses are paid handsomely to relocate, and in all this time, not a single one has refused.”
“Yeah, but do they really have a choice?”
The room turns eerily quiet, and I have to clamp my hand over my mouth to keep from being heard when he says, “She put you up to this, didn’t she?”
“Who are you talking about?”
“Penelope Vance.”
My heart pumps with such force that it rocks my entire body, and all I can think is, Please, don’t hurt him.
“I saw the two of you before I spoke with Reid.”
With no sense in denying it, Logan’s words are rough, barely audible when he finally speaks. “She has nothing to do with this.”
I wait for him to tell me to come out. To let me stand with him against Silas and not let him back us into a corner. But he doesn’t say a word, so beneath his desk I remain.
“I’ve been getting suspicious of your defiance lately. You’ve been questioning me, acting distracted, and the moment I saw her, I knew she was the culprit.” There’s no remorse, just cold disappointment when he adds, “I should have tried harder to keep her away from you when she came sniffing around all those years ago.”
Logan doesn’t waste time acting surprised. “You mean, after you blocked any contact I had with her for years?”
Silas grunts a humorless laugh. “I’m not surprised she wants you to believe that I’m at fault here. Manipulation is in her blood, after all.”
“That wasn’t your decision to make,” he says, but I’m worried by how defeated he sounds. How he’s already crumbling beneath the pressure Silas is inflicting on him.
“I did what I had to do to protect you, and if that makes me the bad guy, then so be it. I love you, son, but this is our legacy, our future. I couldn’t let you throw that all away for a summer fling, and I’m damn sure not going to let you do it now.”
Fucking bastard. I’m just waiting for Silas’s face to pop into view and shout, gotcha!
“I didn’t talk to you about this because I wanted to give you an opportunity to prove you could handle business… But I think it’s time I move you back to Tauntuma and take over Summit myself.”
Sheer panic coats his voice, stabbing the center of my chest when he begs, “No, Dad. Please. We’re just fucking, it’s as simple as that.”
“That much is obvious by the state of this place and the lipstick on your neck.” I quietly gather my skirt, preparing to finally show myself. “Where is she?”
“Gone. She left just before you showed up.” I pause, brows scrunched as he lies so easily. “I don’t care about her.”
Silas makes a muffled sound, as if doubtful.
My pulse beats so fast it blots out my hearing. I can accept that he’s lying to convince Silas that we’re not together, but it’s increasingly difficult to accept that he’d rather hide our relationship than fight for it.
Because if he loved me as much as he says he does, then I wouldn’t be stuffed under here like his dirty little secret.
