Page 20 of Tangled In Lies

Holden chuckles. “You’re evil; I like it.”

Evil, I’m not sure. But definitely petty and hateful enough to turn over as many rocks in Evangeline’s life as possible. That’s the whole reason for this charade.

Holden puts his phone back into his pocket. “And you really think she’ll play along and attend the events with you?”

I tilt my head to the side. “If she refuses, I’ll just have to play my ace earlier than I want to.”

He slaps his large hand on my back. “It’ll be fun to watch either way. So far, she’s been wearing her emotions on her face, so I’m not sure she possesses the acting skills she needs to pull this off.”

“Only one way to find out.” I glance at the clock on the wall and sigh. “I have to meet with my father.”

“Go. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

After this morning’smeeting with the Caldwells, my father went straight to his office in the city. Although he has a big office at his estate, he still prefers the city one where he can revel in everyone’s admiration and fear. I hate having to make the drive, but when my dad calls, I come. Since I want to take over Montgomery Enterprises one day, just like I promised my grandfather I would, I need to play along with my dad’s dominion for as long as necessary.

Since it’s Sunday, the building is mostly empty as I go up to the thirty-second floor. The secretary’s desk was left in pristine condition, like everything else under my father’s control, and I’m tempted to move some things around, but no one deserves my father’s wrath.

As if he heard me, his door opens, and his large body fills the frame. “Get your ass in here.”

He sighs and disappears, leaving the door open for me.

The moment I close it behind me, his voice echoes around me.

“I wanted to see how things are going with your little project.”

Damn, has his office always been this big?

This is my first time back here since my release, and everywhere I go, I can’t help but notice how massive everything is. The change from a small cell to the expansive nature of our homes and businesses isn’t as terrible as it was to get used to the cramped space when I first entered my prison cell, but it’s still anadjustment.

Everything is almost too big.

Is there such a thing as reverse claustrophobia?

“Phoenix.”

My father’s sharp voice snaps me out of my thoughts and the perusal of his executive office with a view of Central Park. “Sorry. What?”

He regards me with narrowed eyes. “I said I want a report on the charity.”

“I’m meeting with the lawyers this week to ensure we have everything we need to get going as soon as possible.” I push both hands in my pockets and stare out the window.

Since we’re heading into fall, the leaves have been creating stunning foliage amidst the skyscrapers. Reds, oranges, and yellows interspersed with greens and browns.

Of all the things I thought I’d miss the most in prison, nature wasn’t one of them. Yet, I’ve been staring at flowers and trees way more in the past couple of weeks since Holden picked me up than ever before.

My father steps in front of me, successfully cutting off my view. We’re around the same height, so the two inches I have on him with my six-foot-four frame unfortunately aren’t enough to secure my vantage point.

His eyes narrow. “You know, this entire time, I thought you’d return to your old position.”

Of course he thought that. He’s groomed me to be what he calls an enforcer, which was never a surprise, considering he loves to use any and all measures to get what he wants. And what’s some blackmail, or violence, when it secures you the companies you lust after?

You’re better than this, Phoenix. Listen to your gut; it will show you the right path.

My grandfather’s words of wisdom could be categorized as famous last words, considering that listening to him ultimately ended with me in prison.

Nevertheless, it felt right to do this from the moment Holden first brought it up.

I push back my shoulders and stare straight into my father’s dark-brown eyes, which is always a bit like staring into a mirror. But I always try not to react to our clone-like appearances since, like the true narcissist he is, he takes pride in the fact that I resemble him so much.

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