Page 31 of Lilly

"You don't even show up to the meetings. You're not even qualified."

"I started the damn committee! It was all my idea. Now put my name on the list."

"Fine." He yanks his arm free, his eyes narrowed. "But they'll never vote for you."

"Then you'll get your wish, won't you?" I step back. "Goodbye, Alister."

He walks off, joining up with some of the other men as they leave.

I quickly scan the room for Phillip. He's off to the side, chatting it up with a group of men who all seem to be sucking up to him, nodding and smiling at whatever Phillip is rambling on about.

Those comments made about Phillip at the end of the meeting made him sound like some kind of hero, someone to revere, a future leader. It made me ill listening to it, but my fellow members ate it up, believing it all and seeing Phillip as someone they need to get close to. It's like being in high school again, where people clamor to be friends with whoever will get them to the top of the social ladder. In that regards, Phillip could be useful to them. His wife, Caroline, knows how to work the high society world much better than Katherine ever did.

"Phillip," I say, joining the circle of men who've surrounded him. "May I have a word with you?"

"I'm sorry, Pearce, but I'm in the middle of a conversation. I don't want to be rude and make these men wait around while I excuse myself to speak with you."

He's smiling, putting on an act, trying to convince these men that he does indeed care about their time. I've never liked Phillip and this just confirms it. He's a skillful liar and a master manipulator. No wonder Caroline married him. He fits right in with the Seymour family.

"I'm sure they wouldn't mind. I only need a moment."

"Then go ahead. Say what you need to say."

I smile at him. "I was just going to invite you to dinner. I thought we could catch up."

"How kind of you." He glances at the other men, his eyes landing back on mine. "Unfortunately, I already have plans. Caroline and I are having dinner with Katherine. And I'm quite certain you don't want to have dinner with your ex-wife." He chuckles.

"I don't mind. We're all adults. Any issues I had with Katherine are ancient history now. We get along fine. And this would give me an opportunity to update her on what our daughter is up to."

He looks at the other men. "Katherine's daughter, Lilly, is a beautiful girl. And very talented. She's studying to be an artist."

I take note of the fact that he called her Katherine's daughter, rather than mine, or both of ours.

"You seem to know a lot about her," I say, "which is surprising since you haven't seen her since she was six. She's in college now."

"Yes, it's unfortunate we didn't see her more during her childhood. But now that Caroline and I are back in the U.S., we'd love to pay her a visit."

That's not going to happen. I don't want Lilly exposed to Katherine's side of the family. I don't trust them and don't want them near her, but I pretend to go along with it. "Yes, I'm sure she'd enjoy seeing you again. So, dinner at eight?"

"I'll have to check with Caroline first. I'll give you a call and let you know."

"Your wife decides who you can have dinner with?" I ask.

The other men chuckle.

Phillip's jaw tightens. "I said I'll let you know. Goodbye, Pearce."

"Gentlemen," I say, addressing the other men. "It was a pleasure seeing you all again."

They say goodbye, almost in unison, then I turn and walk away.

"Pearce," I hear Phillip say.

I turn back. "Yes?"

"If we're unable to get together before you head back to California, please give my best to your wife." He smirks. "Rachel. Isn't that her name?"

Refusing to let his comment affect me, I smile and say, "I'll be sure to forward your regards." And then I leave, straight out the door, through the narrow tunnel that leads to the outside. I approach the attendant and ask him to get my car, then stand beside two other men who are also waiting. I know them but their names escape me.

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