Page 62 of Bitter Secrets

“Roth invested in three companies that hit the Fortune 500.” As brows shot up, she allowed a dramatic pause before she added nonchalantly, “And that was before he graduated from Columbia, which was…” She turned to Roth. “How many years ago?”

When their eyes connected and held, she felt an odd flutter in her stomach.

“Six,” he said finally.

“Six what?”

For the first time, his lips twitched, drawing her gaze to the scar and his full lower lip.

“It’s been six years since I graduated.”

She jerked and turned back to their audience. She felt a blush creeping up her neck and couldn’t figure out why. She felt jittery and a little hot all of a sudden. She dropped her glass on a passing server’s tray. Maybe it wasn’t non-alcoholic champagne after all.

“Right. Six years,” she said. “And since then, he’s—”

“What were the startups?” Lincoln demanded.

She opened her mouth to list the two she remembered, but was relieved when Roth spoke up for himself.

She was pleased by the stunned silence Roth’s announcement left in his wake.

“I’m sure you all have those apps on your phone, don’t you?” she said airily and sensed the tide had just turned. “You know Dad keeps his eye on the competition.”

Matthew stepped forward. “What have you done since you graduated from Columbia?”

“I’ve invested in…”

The men moved in to tighten the circle, unconsciously blocking access to Roth until they were finished with him. If there was anything men like her father wanted above all else, it was to be the first to get in on an opportunity. If what she overheard about Roth was true, this guy was a whiz. That was the only reason Dad invited him in the first place. He didn’t bother with the ordinary. Only exceptional talent would pique his interest.

She slipped her hand from Roth’s arm and gripped her clutch in front of her. He glanced at her briefly, but she kept her gaze straight ahead and caught sight of Lyle, who was ten feet away in another group. He frowned at her. She gave him a puzzled look as if she had no idea what he was upset about before she deliberately looked away and spotted Rami, who also had his eye on her. He shook his head. She tipped her nose in the air. All she did was make some introductions. That wasn’t a crime. And if Dad questioned her, she could say she had no idea who Roth was. The conversation she overheard between her father and Colette occurred months ago.

She kept an eye on the doors and wondered how much time they had before Dad and his cronies returned. She tuned back into the conversation and was pleased that Roth had taken center stage. His deep voice carried without trying. People in other circles were sending curious looks their way. She wasn’t sure whether it was Roth’s voice or what he was talking about that was drawing attention, but she had to look down to hide her delight. Maybe she didn’t have an affinity for business like her sisters, but left to her own devices at events such as this, she entertained herself by discovering the connections between those assembled. She had a great memory and a knack for faces that made her a natural networker. Her sisters were privy to industry secrets and trends, but she knew whose wife was expecting, a recent loss, or who was thinking of selling a private island. Once in a while, small, personal details she picked up gave them the edge.

Looking down as she was, she focused on her feet and wriggled her toes. If her sisters saw her unpainted toes, the lecture would never end. She needed to get out of here before they returned. Her eyes flicked to the five pairs of shiny shoes pointed in her direction before she focused on Roth’s boots. She suppressed a grin. Dad must have had a heart attack when he saw him. She wished she had the balls to do such a thing. What was Roth’s story? She knew the footnotes of his life and wanted to know more, but doubted she would get it. He wasn’t the sharing type, although now that he was talking about business, he certainly had a lot to say. Despite his appearance, he was articulate, educated, confident. A glance around told her he had a captive audience. James Roth would go far, with or without Dad’s help.

She zoned out as they began to discuss market trends. The notebook in her clutch called to her. She now had a face for the mysterious stranger. She tried to remember the sound of his voice, but all she could hear was Roth’s deep rumble. She needed a name. Something bold, unique, not easily forgotten…

Roth.

What kind of name was that? It was unusual, but it suited him. It wasn’t one people would easily forget, and that was the point. It was better to be memorable rather than so achingly polite that no one remembered you. Roth made an impression with his casual clothes. Most would write him off, but those who bothered to give him five minutes realized quickly that they were meeting someone who was going places.

Less than ten minutes in, Matthew turned and called out, “Hey, Don!”

It took great effort to keep the proud smile off her face as Don Langdon made his way over to them. Don was in his mid-forties and deep in his career, unlike her friends, most of whom were still in school or under the rule of their families. Don was in a different league and exactly what she’d been hoping for.

As Matthew started introductions, she let out a satisfied sigh. Her work here was done. She took a step back and froze when a hand closed over her wrist. She had no doubt who that rough hand belonged to. She glanced at Roth, who was deep in conversation with Don. She gave an experimental tug and received a slight squeeze in return. What the…

Don focused on her. “Jasmine.”

His tone indicated that he thought she should move on, so they could talk business.

“Don,” she acknowledged and tugged again.

“Jasmine’s provided valuable insight this evening. Maximus’s influence, no doubt,” Roth said.

Don gave her a considering look. “I heard you’re going for your master’s degree.”

She inclined her head.

---