Page 76 of Billionaire's Coastal Haven

“You’re scaring me, Comet. What is going on? Tell me how I can help you.”

She sucks in a deep breath. “This is my fight.” There’s a resolve in her voice that wasn’t there a moment ago. “But I would really like you to be there to hold myhand.”

“On my way.”

Zoe

Charlotte bangs her gavel. “I call this emergency meeting to order.”

The rest of the council plus Collin sit around the conference table in Town Hall. Elsbeth whispers in Lucky’s ear, and they send vicious glances in my direction. I roll my shoulders back to portray a confidence that is not coursing through my system.

At the other end of the table, Dad won’t even look at me.

Everything is fine. You are an amazing mayor’s assistant. No one found out about dad’s health. You filled his shoes perfectly. Your private life isn’t any of their business, so this will all blow over once you explain the truth.

But the pep talk doesn’t have the same effect as the one outside the bookstore back in March.

Landon leans against the wall behind me silently fuming. I want him next to me, holding my hand, but that’s not an option. His silent support will have to be enough.

He barged through the front doors demanding to know who hurt me, what happened, who he needed to pay off, buy out, get rid of.

I showed him the picture. His granite jaw cracked, and his eyes attacked the room looking for Elsbeth and Lucky, for my dad.

But he can’t get rid of any of them. Especially not my dad.

Dad’s words echo in my mind.I saw the picture. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. Meet me at Town Hall in twenty minutes.

Then he hung up. He didn’t give me a chance to explain myself or tell him my side of the story.

Decision made.

Judgment passed.

But why are we here?

What does his disappointment have to do with the council?

When he arrived, he settled into his seat and refused to speak with me.

He’s acting like a child, but he can’t ignore me forever. We’ll sort out whatever he called this meeting about, then I’ll force him to talk to me.

Charlotte settles the gavel on the table and pinches the bridge of her nose. “Mayor Winslow, you have something that can’t wait until our next meeting?”

“Thank you for coming.” Dad leans his elbows on the table and meets the eyes of every member of the council, conveniently skipping over mine.

Landon growls subtly behind me. I bite my lip to keep from smiling at his protectiveness. The pain also keeps me from crying again.

Why won’t Dad even look at me? Why does he think me kissing Landon is such a breach of his trust?

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been away too long. I know that. This office isn’t conducting business up to my standards, and I want to apologize. I’m here to remedy the situation.”

Not up to standards? I bust my ass for him every day, running around talking to citizens, solving disagreements, planning town activities. I’ve done everything he’s ever asked me to do. I gave up my life for his dreams.

I decide to start dating and now I’m not meeting his standards? This is bullshit.

Dad’s eyes finally settle on me. “Zoe, you tried, but this isn’t working. I would like the council’s permission to fire Zoe for unprofessional conduct and start the search for a new assistant.”

“What?” I yell.