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Well, if I survive until then, a night of dinner, drinks, and watching rich people raise money for a good cause might help to push Tristan if not completely out of my mind, then a little toward the edge.
CHAPTER23
TRISTAN
“Once we have definite numbers for internal recruitment and employees, we’ll schedule another meeting with the local politicians. There are a few complaints and protests, but it’s mostly considered a good thing that we’re bringing a portion of our assembly division to the state.”
“Good.” I lean back in my chair and think for a moment. Evan watches me from the conference video call screen. “What’s going on with office space?”
“We have the three floors you wanted. Once the papers are signed, we’ll furnish.”
“Perfect.”
“So, the Mercer is going to name a wing after you?” Evan chuckles. “I’d love to see that.”
I won’t.I shake my head, suddenly thinking about Cora again. “It’s not that kind of donation.”
“It is a substantial donation,” he says meaningfully. He sounds almost like he’s chiding me. I raise an eyebrow but say nothing. The money came from my personal resources. Nobody can accuse me of funneling company funds to my ex-wife through her workplace.
“It’s a lot for an art gallery,” Evan says when I don’t reply.
“Museum,” I correct him offhandedly. “I’ve always been a lover of the arts,” I continue with a shrug. “And this city took care of me when I didn’t have much. It’s only fair to give back.”
Evan nods. “Cora works at the Mercer,” he says after a pause.
“And that’s relevant, how?” I reply coolly.
“You tell me.” He sighs. “I don’t know if it’s my place to say this, but Cora working there will likely raise a few questions about the donation.”
“What questions?” I don’t wait for his answer. A long time ago, we stopped talking about Cora. Evan had been very fond of her and was as rocked by her betrayal as I was. He hasn’t mentioned her name to me in years.
I know he’s only mentioning her, and this donation, because he considers it to be important. But I’m not careless. I’ll never let my personal issues negatively affect my company and shareholders. After all these years, it’s disappointing that he thinks I’ll abandon reason because of Cora.
There’s an edge in my voice when I respond. “First, it’s not your place. Second…nobody knows she’s my ex-wife. We’ve paid a lot of money to ensure that her name is not publicly linked with mine. The privacy we purchased for her makes it possible to avoid any questions this donation might bring.”
Evan sighs. “I know…but…”
“But…nothing.” I rise from my seat. “It’s entirely a coincidence that she works there.” What would he say if he knew about the gala tonight? If he knew I was so desperate to see Cora again, I got her on the guest list. “I have a party to attend,” I tell him with a note of finality. “We’ll continue our discussion later.”
After ending the connection, I head to the shower. I barely look at myself in the mirror as I prepare to go out, going through the motions almost clinically. I don’t want to remember doing this with Cora, watching her eyes light up when I wore something she liked, kissing her neck while she slid on my cufflinks, making love to her, being happy.
Fucking happy.
Jesus.
Being in the same city is doing things to my head. I haven’t been so sentimental about her in a long time.
Damn.
After tonight, I’ll relegate her to the back of my mind again. For now, I just want to see her squirm at the knowledge that I’m the donor saving her beloved museum. Once I get that satisfaction, I’ll focus on the job I have at hand, opening a production plant in the city I left a long time ago.
Next to that, Cora means absolutely nothing.
* * *
The interiorof the large tent is dimly lit with hanging lights casting a cool lavender glow on the faces around me. The men are dignified in tuxes, the women elegant in expensive couture and glittering jewels. There’s enough net worth in the tent to finance a small country for decades.
“Mr. Kane, such an honor.”
