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Emily blinked, staring at David.
“I’m guessing Geoffrey called you when he found her, and you two made an arrangement to keep her quiet and out of sight. I assume Geoffrey makes a great deal of money from it.” David arched a brow.
Joe’s face betrayed the truth of David’s accusation. Emily glanced at her mother, who had the decency to look ashamed, and she knew her mother knew her father’s dirty deeds as well. “Mom?”
“It was for the best, Emma,” Juliet said softly, then looked away. Emily’s heart fell and she closed her eyes. Even her own mother didn’t want her around.
“Now, this is what’s going to happen,” David said, his voice even and firm. “I know your secrets, so you’re going to do as I say, do you understand?”
“You’re blackmailing me?”
“Only men with wicked pasts can be blackmailed,” David answered. “Yes, I think your idea will work nicely. Emily—Emma—did run away, but somehow was injured and got amnesia. She got a job at my company as Emily and worked her way up to executive assistant and has never had a disreputable day of work in her life. Seeing you caused some fuzzy memories to return, but she doesn’t remember much. Naturally, she’d be curious, but a bit wary of spending time with people she doesn’t know.” David smiled. “You can be around her in public and that’s it, Joe. Otherwise, she might remember a whole lot more of what happened before she ran away.” David arched his brows and Joe’s face fell.
She’d never seen her father look so defeated. So out of control. David was so confident and quick thinking. She wanted to jump into David’s arms and hug him hard but she settled for giving him a grateful smile, her heart full.
“Besides, sheismy assistant and I desperately need her by my side.” He smiled at her. “She grew distant from the family as she grew older, and your relationship was strained before she left for Juilliard.” He looked back at Joe. “Which explains why she doesn’t want to spend time with you.” He frowned. “Everyone knows what an asshole you are, Joe. It won’t be difficult for people to accept that.”
“I’ll destroy you,” Joe growled.
David shook his head. “Do you want the story of how you and Alvarez abused your daughter to be made public?” He glanced at Emily. “Though it does need to be—and will be—dealt with. I’m sure she isn’t the only one you hurt. But I won’t do anything until I talk with her about it.”
Emily’s heart grew even warmer. Yes, it needed to be dealt with but she wasn’t ready to face all the repercussions yet. It was bad enough having to stand next to her father again.
“I’ll deny it.”
“I would expect nothing less. But these days, the mere accusation can destroy a career. Do you want to risk it?”
Joe clenched his jaw and glared. He was silent for a long moment before giving a short nod. “Fine.”
David smiled. “I knew you’d come to see things my way.” He held out his hand to Emily and she took it. As they walked away, David wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “You’re safe now.”
She leaned her head on his shoulder. “You’re amazing.”
“I’m just keeping my promise. I told you I would help.”
Forty-Four
Mark wanderedaround the concert hall garden, stopping in front of the giant stone lily, his mind wandering to Emily. He hadn’t seen her since Friday. He missed her and wished she was here with him. He’d love to hear her thoughts on the concert tonight.
And kiss her again.
Hell, when was the last time she’d been to a concert? She’d been late to the open rehearsal and he’d never asked why. He should have. Had something happened that morning? Or the previous night?
He should have asked.
He sighed and glanced at his watch. The dinner would be over soon and he needed to get backstage to finish warming up. Conference attendees were already starting to wander out to the garden for a break before the concert.
Mark turned and meandered down the brick path back to the stage door, nodding to the guard as he walked inside. He walked to the locker where he’d stored his violin and removed it before heading to the warm-up room.
Rafael sat in the corner of one couch, red-faced and scowling at his phone, his violin across his lap.
Even Mark had to admit he was scary looking when he was angry. What had Emily done when he’d been angry with her? It must have been terrifying to a young girl.
He tuned his violin and his fingers flew over the strings as he watched Rafael glower. No one went near him. Mark was curious about what had upset him, but not curious enough to approach.
At the appropriate time, the musicians began making their way to the stage. Rafael and Mark would follow with Maestro Holden just before the concert started since they were soloists for the first piece.
Rafael didn’t speak as he waited for the orchestra members to leave. Once they were alone, he turned to Mark. “I’ve had some bad news.”
