Page 89 of Emergence and Ascendance

I tensed and he added, “Relax, he doesn’t know you’re here, in my home. What I meant is that my name is attached to this project. I got a few calls today from people I’m assuming were doing his dirty work. They asked questions I refused to answer.”

“I can’t believe him.”

"It’s not a big deal. Information is power. I prefer having both. Will this board meeting be a problem for you?"

"No. My father controls Whitney International, not me or my personal investments."

"I’m going to make some calls to see if I can help."

“You don’t have to. I can?—”

“Me helping doesn’t mean you’re incapable, Scot.”

Something in his tone sounded as if he meant more than just with business.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. How’s my car?”

“A small scratch from a parking situation but nothing serious. You can barely notice it.”

I swear this man looked like he wanted to murder me and I smiled. He narrowed his eyes and shook his head but the moment was interrupted when my phone vibrated with another call. My body tensed and flooded with anger at the name on the screen.

“Your father?” Christian noticed my mood shift and motioned to my phone. I shook my head.

“No, one of his flunkies.”

“Answer and put it on speaker.”

“No…”

“Answer the phone, Scot,” he demanded and my pussy thumped in response which had me swiping my screen. Justin calling me damn sure wasn’t a coincidence, not with my father trying to shut me down.

"Scotlyn…”

“What do you want, Justin?"

"I’m just checking in. When I heard you were developing in Crescent Falls, I had to see for myself. That’s outside of Whitney’s usual territory, isn't it?"

"This isn't a Whitney International project, but I'm sure you already know, so again, what do you want?”

"Your father is concerned. This venture with Devereaux has implications you might not realize."

And there it was.

"My father asked you to call me as what? His messenger? His spy?"

"As a friend," Justin countered smoothly. "To both you and your family."

"We haven't been friends in a very long time. Not since I discovered you were more interested in Whitney holdings than me."

“That’s not exactly true but I didn’t call to argue with you, Scotlyn. Devereaux isn't someone you should be involved with."

"You don’t know shit about my partnership with Christian."

"I know the Devereaux family has connections that could create problems for the Whitney reputation. Your father has genuine concerns."

"How convenient and I'm sure your sudden interest has nothing to do with Harrington Properties trying and failing to get this same waterfront property last year. Did my father make you a promise about working something out for you if you convince me to walk away from it?”

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