“Jenny talked to people at your company.
You’re making, like, a million bucks a year!”
“The family’s in trouble. We sold the shop.
You can’t just hide.”
“I raised you for 29 years. You have to give
me your paycheck.”
I muted the phone, letting him rant.
Wendy chimed in, calling me names, saying I
was trying to seduce Blake.
Jenny declared war. She said Blake was just
using me. She was a million times prettier, so
there was no way he’d go for me.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Even now, Jenny
was still trying to compete with me over a
And her only weapon was her face.
When they ran out of steam, I grabbed the
phone.
“Dad, Mom worked her butt off for the shop
and the house. I haven’t spent a dime of your
money since I was 14.”
“As for everything before 14? That car you
bought covers it.”
“If you bother me again, I’m telling Blake
everything about Jenny.”
I hung up, feeling way better.
The city lights outside the window never
looked so good.
<
I didn’t want to expose Jenny just yet. The
deeper she got in, the better the show would
- be.
Then, my team lead texted me, saying Blake
wanted me to be the point person. I was
supposed to go to the Clear Creek Resort
conference with him tomorrow.
Then, I saw a news story about business.
The Ray Family was eyeing the Clear Creek
project, maybe partnering with Blake.
The Rays are old money.
If I remembered correctly, Blake ended up
marrying Ray’s daughter, Riley.
I’ve been to my fair share of fancy events, but
Blake booked a suite, big enough for a soccer
team.
A bunch of rich guys were scattered on
couches, with tables overflowing with
expensive booze and snacks.
There was a stage in the middle with a singer.
A line of attractive women came in, each
serving one of the guys.
Jenny sat next to Blake, glaring at any girl
who tried to get near him.
Blake didn’t seem interested in any of them.
I hung out in the corner, watching.
The guys were just drinking and having fun.
く
The resort was important.
Without stores, services, and merchants, the
service would be impacted.
Besides, Clear Creek was in the middle of
nowhere. Only the big companies could afford
to set up shop.
If they signed on, the Rays would invest.
One of the guys, a certain Wan, squinted at
Blake.
“Little Blake, I helped your dad get the Clear
Creek land.
“Your mom even raised a glass to me.”
Г
He laughed, and everyone else joined in.
Another guy, a certain Summers, wistfully
talked about Blake’s mom.
“Your mom worked as a server. Every man
was in love with her.”
“Too bad, after your sister drowned, she shut
herself away.”
Their tone was really offensive.
Blake’s face turned dark.
But he reined it in, trying to change the
subject.
“If you set up in Clear Creek, I promise a year
く
VI
Wan shook his glass, saying he didn’t need
the money.
Then, he noticed Jenny.
“Isn’t that the no–makeup goddess, Jenny?
She’s even prettier in person.”
Summers stood up, staring at her.
“Yeah, a natural beauty. All the other chicks
are ugly.”
Jenny didn’t get what was happening.
She flipped her hair. The white dress made
her look even more angelic.
Wan sat next to Jenny putting his arm
く
Wan sat next to Jenny, putting his arm
around her.
“So, Miss Jenny, you’re a professor? I have
some questions.”
He was about to kiss her.
Jenny snapped. She slapped Wan.
“I’m Mr. Blake’s assistant. Back off.”
Plenty of guys hit on Jenny, but she wasn’t
interested.
She believed that her looks and skills would
get her Blake, the rich and hot bachelor.
Wan was furious.
He told Blake, “If your secretary doesn’t
apologize, the deal is off.”
Then, he leered at Jenny.
“How she apologizes is up to me.”
I don’t know what Blake said to Jenny
outside.
When she came back, she was pale and
scared.
