Page 148 of The Penalty

“Think about it. I’ll stop by your office before I leave.”

Hannah rose to her feet like a queen and walked out not saying a word. I flopped back in my chair, exhaling until my lungs completely emptied. Thick silence saturated my office. I’d closed my eyes for not even a second when the phone rang.

“This is Victoria,” I answered.

“Hello, sweetheart. Did I catch you at a bad time?”

My eyes flew open.

“Dad. No. I was just…no, it’s not a bad time at all.”

His soft chuckle and light British accent soothed some of my tense nerves.

“I’m in Manhattan this week. You sounded pretty adamant in your text that you wanted to know the next time I’d be here. So, here I am. I’d like to see you. Sooner, rather than later.”

The last time my father was in town, he handed over the keys to Briarcliff Cottage. I could only imagine what this visit will bring.

“I’m free tomorrow, if that works for you.” I typed his name into my calendar. “I actually have a few things to talk to you about.”

“Sounds serious. Is it?”

My head spun recalling everything Jordan told me.

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “I’ll find out when I see you.”

After ending the call with my dad, I paced around my office just to shake off the nerves. The last thing I wanted was to appear out of sorts for my meeting. I’d only managed to do a few laps when my phone rang. I told the receptionist I’d be there in a minute.

Smoothing down my skirt, I inhaled slow, letting out a calming breath. This meeting was probably the least stressful part of my day. The closer I got to the main reception area, the better I felt.

A well-dressed brunette stood by one of the display cases, staring at the trophies.

“Shiny, aren’t they?” I asked, approaching her.

She turned, her arms hugging her body just as tight as the black wrap dress she wore. Dark brown eyes examined my cheerful smile. At least, I hoped it was cheerful.

“They are. I’m sure my little brother appreciates seeing them every day.” Noticeable sarcasm tinged her words.

My laughter was hard to stifle. “I’m Victoria,” I said, extending my hand. “You must be Chelsea.”

A genuine smile erupted across her face when she shook it. “Thank you so much for agreeing to see me. I know this was last minute.”

We did the small talk thing on the way to my office. I offered her some water before sitting at my desk.

“So, what can I help you with?”

Chelsea glanced around at my display cases and shelves, her pretty face set in an expression of indifference. “I know Dante said I was looking for something in the sports world but to be honest, I don’t want that.”

“No problem. I have connections just about everywhere if—”

“Actually,” she interrupted, “do you know anyone in the non-profit sector? The one thing I enjoy at the club is planning the charity appearances. I want to focus on work that has meaning. No offense to what you do.”

“None taken.”

I tapped my nails on the desk. Now that Killian started his new job, he hasn’t been able to put much time into the foundation.

“I hope this doesn’t sound too forward, but I just formed a non-profit and need a permanent foundation director.”

Her eyes widened with hopeful optimism. “That’s a big role to fill.”

---