Page 55 of Without Judgment

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Avery

I’d been shaking when I entered my father’s office and saw all of those people. Almost enough to make me forgo my entire plan. But thank God, I’d grown a backbone and wasn’t about to give up now.

Now that I was in my room with the thumb drive Mason had handed over, I experienced a great deal of satisfaction. I had to remember this wasn’t about being a brat who’d gotten her way; it was about standing up for myself. I hadn’t asked to be put in this position, and I certainly wouldn’t lie down and let people judge me for it. Worse, I wouldn’t let anyone try to change me as if I’d done something wrong.

As I pressed start, I began watching with determination. Which was a really weird emotion to have while viewing porn.

However, without emotions clouding my judgment, I had a much shrewder eye. Sharp enough to pick up on something I’d missed or which hadn’t been as visible in the first video. Holy shit. I had proof it wasn’t me.

I stood up to pace my room. What could I possibly do with this information?

Telling my father might get him to believe me finally, but it wouldn’t do much else. His priority was the campaign, not proving my innocence. Too bad I still didn’t trust Mason’s motives. If I told him, chances were he’d simply tell my father, and then I’d be powerless in any further decisions made.

I could share my news with my brother, but though he was a great sounding board, it wasn’t as if he could help. Not unless I had a plan. I needed to strategize. As Julia had stated, a retraction wasn’t enough. I needed more if I wanted everyone to know the truth.

My attention became diverted by the girl’s moans on the screen. Good Lord. She was on top of the first guy, taking the second in the— Oh, well, now. I definitely would’ve remembered that, had it been me. Time to turn it off and get to work.

The next morning, I woke early and descended the stairs. I wanted to speak with my father because I didn’t like how we’d left things. I wasn’t unsupportive of his campaign or his dream of being mayor. On the other hand, I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my self-respect. I wouldn’t allow anyone to change me because of something which wasn’t even my fault.

He was sipping coffee at the kitchen table when I walked in.

“Hello.”

He glanced up, looking at least halfway pleased to see me. “Hi, hon. If you have a minute, please sit.”

I did so, taking in his tired face.

“You’re right about my owing you an apology. Having the spotlight put on you was a byproduct of my running for Mayor. And I agree that someone is using you to cause a scandal. Trying to blackmail me into giving up the bid. We have people investigating.”

“You didn’t believe me.”

“It’s not that I didn’t believe you, it’s that it doesn’t matter for the campaign.”

That hurt.

“But if I have any chance at salvaging this campaign, I need you to be conscious of your behavior.”

I bristled. “Since when has my behavior been the cause of any concern?”

“The other night. Pictures of you in that short skirt are online. You appeared intoxicated in the early hours of the morning. Word was you left a dance club with some random guy.”

Unbelievable. Just as I’d suspected, my so-called ‘friends’ had spread the word. “I was with some old friends, dressed the same as every other girl in the place. And the guy I left with was the one you assigned to me.”

“But you’re my daughter. Hopefully, about to become the daughter of the mayor of Houston. I need more from you, Avery.”

I sucked in my breath. Apparently, I could never do enough. Worse, I saw Mason enter in time to witness my dad’s last comment. I stood up.

“Sure, more. I’ll get right on that. Safe travels to DC.”

A small part of me wanted to share with my father what I’d found on the video. Show him I now had proof, but I realized it didn’t matter. He wanted me to be this perfect robot who’d help him get elected and not make waves or try to prove anything. I should simply accept it for what it was. My reputation smeared all over the place. My shame to bear and bury.

“I’ll be home tomorrow, and we’ll talk some more. Mason, do you have a few minutes?”

My eyes met his as he replied. “Yes, sir, I do.”

I felt like an outsider. Once I left the room, they would undoubtedly talk about me. And then for me.

Fuck that. I had phone calls to make, including one to Julia with an idea I wanted to run by her.

My dad wanted more of me. Well, then, he was going to get it. Just not how he thought.

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