Page 69 of Daddy's Game

“Yeah, I’ve got some paperwork at home about them. They’ve been working diligently to get my land.”

My lips drew into a tight line. I was on the board of directors of TGRIU. I did not have a controlling interest in the company. I’d considered acquiring it at one point, but it would have been redundant considering I had a bigger, better multinational research firm in my portfolio already.

As the Chief Financial Officer, I should have been informed about the plan to change the zoning designation of Grace’s block. Either someone neglected to tell me, or they were trying to keep it from me on purpose.

In either event, I needed to do something about it.

“What’s wrong? You feel all stiff.”

I kissed her on top of the head and held her close.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just angry on your behalf. Don’t worry, I’ll deal with TGRIU. They will never know what hit ‘em.”

I felt bad for lying about being on the board of the company. Yet, I told myself that it was only a small, harmless lie.

I just have to take care of this quickly and keep my involvement quiet.

27

GRACE

Rain kept pouring down on the city, casting a pall of gray dampness that sapped the spirit out of even my most upbeat of students.

Not me, though. I felt fantastic.

“Glen, keep those feet flat on the floor. You’ll never reach on pointe if you’re lazy.”

“Yes, Miss Grace.”

He adjusted his posture as I inspected the rest of the line. Everyone seemed to be doing okay, so I leaned against the support pillar and kept watch while my mind drifted.

Brock said he’s going to take care of TGRIU. I guess there are more advantages to being the girlfriend of a billionaire.

The skies overhead may have been dark and gray, but I floated on a golden cloud. I didn’t even get mad when one of my students tracked a bunch of water inside the center’s lobby. Though I did tell him to mop it up.

“Okay, that’s enough for today.”

My students stopped their exercises, some of them rubbing sore muscles. I tsked at them.

“You need to do your full warm ups and cool downs, guys, or you’re going to hurt worse after class. I’ve been over this with you before.”

I got the usual litany of replies, but I wasn’t really mad. I just wanted them to take care of themselves.

I had no more classes for the afternoon, so I went into my office to catch up on paperwork. It wasn’t long before the reception desk phone rang to disturb my peace. I picked it up, struggling to sound pleasant.

“Yes?”

“Hey, Grace, do you have time to see Nate Gray?”

“Of course. I always have time for him.”

“Then I’ll send him your way.”

I sighed while I hung up the phone. Brock’s words haunted me. He had said a lot of unflattering things about Alderman Gray.

The only problem is, Brock isn’t wrong. Not one bit. Nate really isn't all that effective of an ally, or an alderman for that matter. His heart is in the right place, and I wish I could call him competent…but I can’t.

I thought maybe he might be happy to learn I’d secured the assistance of one of the richest, most powerful men in the world to help keep the center open. I considered, but then rejected, the idea of telling Nate he didn't have to fight for me any longer.

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