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“I might not have the best record with men, but I know when I care about someone and you know what? It’s my choice. I’ll be thirty in a couple years. I think I might be able to figure out what’s best for myself.”
He shook his head. “You don’t know the Royal men like I do.”
“That’s right. You and Sebastian used to be friends. Didn’t you?” When he glanced away, I took a deep breath. “Something you just neglected to tell me?”
“It doesn’t matter. That was a long time ago.”
“Really, Dad? I’m no fool. I know this business better than you think I do. My guess is that the two of you were supposed to start a business together years ago but things went south. Isn’t that right?”
He glared at me. “You just don’t understand.”
“Maybe not. What I do know is that someone is out to take down both companies and Valerio and I are determined not to allow that to happen. Now you can either help me, your daughter, in that endeavor or not, but you will allow me to do my job, the one you hired me for.”
“Don’t be a fool, daughter.”
This was getting taxing. “Is there a firm snooping around? Did they make an offer or worse, go to the board members trying to push you into something you don’t want to do?”
I could tell by the surprise in his eyes that Valerio had been right.
“Jesus, Dad. You’re playing with fire. Allow me to help you get to the bottom of what the hell is going on.”
“I will not allow you to steal my trade secrets because of your new husband.”
“Did you really just accuse me of being disloyal to my own family? Are you serious?”
“Often love is a factor that can change everything, Selena. However, keep in mind that marriages aren’t always what they are cracked up to be. Only blood matters.”
I had ugly words on the tip of my tongue but reminded myself he was my father. Good or bad, he was blood. “Maybe so, Dad, but my fiancé and I are committed to finding out who threatened Sebastian, who is likely the person doing the same to you. You can either confide in me or not but I’m going to find out one way or the other.”
“Not at my expense.”
“Meaning what?” The way the conversation was going was exactly what I’d been afraid of.
“Meaning I’m sorry, Selena, but I will no longer need your assistance in my company.”
I couldn’t have been more shocked. “You’re firing me?”
“Since you insist on getting into bed with my enemy, I feel it necessary to do so. I do wish you well in your endeavors.”
The coldness in his tone, the way he was blowing me off took my breath away. “That’s not fair.”
“As I always tried to teach you, nothing in life is fair. It’s what you make of it. I think you know the way out.”
To say I was dazed was barely adequate. I tried my best to keep my composure but as soon as I managed to walk out his office room door, closing it behind me, I burst into tears.
What was I supposed to do now?
CHAPTER 27
Valerio
As soon as I climbed out of my Maserati, Tony appeared out of the shadows. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know if Ms. Michaels will tell you but I think she had a pretty horrific meeting with her father. She was crying the entire time as I brought her home.”
I studied Tony and grimaced. “I knew I should have gone with her.”
“She’s tough, boss. I hope you don’t mind me saying that.”
