Page 43 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

“Dinner's ready,” Vanessa announces.

I take my seat across from Skylar, acutely aware of George looming at the head of the table. The air feels thick, charged with unspoken accusations.

Tonight's the night, I remind myself. I have to force George's hand–either he tells Skylar about the Scarpettas, or I will.

I can't let Skylar continue believing her secret benefactor is real when it's all a ploy to force George and me to work for the Scarpettas.

Vanessa, oblivious to the undercurrent, chatters about a charity event as she serves the food. Her cheerfulness only highlights George's ominous silence.

I glance at Skylar, noting how she's just pushing food around her plate. The worry in her eyes mirrors my unease.

Suddenly, George speaks, cutting off Vanessa mid-sentence. “Actually, I stopped by the gallery earlier today.”

I freeze, my fork suspended midway to my mouth. Here it comes. How much has he figured out?

George's gaze is piercing. “Yes. I wanted to see how things were progressing. Imagine my surprise when I found you there, Garrett. Again.”

I open my mouth to respond, but Skylar chimes in, bright and enthusiastic. “Oh, it's been amazing, Dad! Garrett's been so helpful.”

George's tone is measured, but there's an edge to it. “You two have been spending quite a bit of time together lately, haven't you?”

Skylar nods. “I don't know what I'd do without him.”

I force myself to chew and swallow, grateful for the momentary distraction. George's eyes flick to me, and I meet his gaze steadily, despite the guilt churning in my stomach.

I won't back down. “The exhibition is shaping up well. Skylar's vision for the show is really coming together.”

Skylar continues, her voice light and enthusiastic, “He's been an absolute lifesaver, Dad. You should see how he handles all the logistics–it's impressive.”

I clear my throat, desperate to steer the conversation away from dangerous waters. “It's nothing. Just doing my job.”

But George isn't letting it go. His eyes narrow as he looks between us. “And your actual work, Garrett? The security contracts? The new clients?”

“Everything's on track,” I assure him.

George's tone is clipped, almost condescending as he asks, “And the Edgewater contract? Any progress there?”

The question catches me off guard. The Edgewater project is a sensitive issue, one we usually discuss in private. “We're in negotiations. It's a complex situation, as you know.”

George's eyes narrow. “Complex? Or are you just not giving it the attention it deserves?”

The accusation stings. “I'm on top of things.”

“Is that right?” George's voice drips with sarcasm. “Then why did I have to handle that meeting with the new tech startup last week? The one you were supposed to attend?”

A flush of shame creeps up my neck. I missed that meeting. I was helping Skylar with a gallery crisis.

“That was an oversight on my part,” I admit, resenting his tone. I am not his employee. We are partners. “It won't happen again.”

George's eyes narrow. “See that it doesn't. We can't afford distractions right now, Garrett. Not with what's at stake.”

I've busted my ass on that project, and George knows it. But before I can respond, Skylar jumps in.

“Dad,” she says, her voice sharp. “Garrett's been working incredibly hard. On everything.”

I appreciate her defense, but I can see it only irritates George further. His jaw tightens as he turns to her. “This is business, Skylar. You wouldn't understand.”

I wince at his dismissive tone, seeing hurt flash across Skylar's face before she masks it. Vanessa, sensing the growing tension, attempts to intervene.

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