Page 22 of Royal Sin

“Actually,” I said, surprising myself with my boldness, “I’ve been following it quite closely.”

The men turned to me with renewed interest, while my father’s smile froze on his face.

“Baldwin’s strategy is innovative,” I continued, carefully choosing my words. “He identifies undervalued companies with potential, acquires them at competitive prices, and implements modernization that traditional media has been reluctant to embrace.”

One of the men nodded appreciatively. “That’s one way to look at it.”

“It’s predatory,” my father countered, his voice tight. “He’s dismantling institutions that have served communities for generations.”

“Or he’s saving them from obsolescence,” I replied, meeting my father’s gaze steadily. “The media landscape is changing. Adapt or die.”

A heavy silence fell over our little circle. My father’s eyes had darkened with anger, though his social smile remained firmly in place.

“You’ll have to excuse my daughter,” he said finally. “Youth often mistakes disruption for innovation.”

The men chuckled politely, but I noticed more than one of them studying me with new interest.

“Perhaps there’s room for both perspectives,” Mr. Astor offered. “Fresh eyes can sometimes see opportunities where experience sees only risk.”

My father’s hand clamped on my shoulder, his fingers digging in slightly. “Annaliese, I believe your mother needs help in the dining room.”

It was a dismissal, not a request. I nodded politely to the men and extracted myself from my father's grip, feeling his eyes boring into my back as I walked away.

In the hallway, I leaned against the wall, my heart pounding. I had never openly contradicted my father like that, especially not in front of business associates. The pendant seemed heavier against my skin.

“Fuck it.” I went to the kitchen and found the dish soap, and proceeded to make myself sick.

The maid notified my mother after finding me bent over the trashcan. My mother sent back word that I was to go upstairs and not return the rest of the evening. It was worth the stomachache to escape the Greek Tragedy that was my parent’s dining room. A little more soap, and I would be excused fromthe Carmichael Gala tomorrow, with no chance of running into Leonard. My secret was safe a little while longer.

Chapter 10

Iwalked down the hall, ignoring the stares coming from the offices to the left and right. The trench coat was out of place in the warm summer weather, but the frigid AC made me instinctively tighten the belt. I stopped at the end of the hall and rapped my knuckles on the wood.

“Come in,” Leonard barked.

With a smile plastered on my face, I pushed inside.

“What?” the CEO demanded, not looking up from his computer screen.

The lock clicking into place made him sit up straighter. His gaze snapped to me, and those black eyes widened.

“I believe you ordered lunch in today,” I said, hoping I sounded sultry and not silly. While I wasn’t a virgin, I wasn’t a sex goddess either.

“What did I order?” Leonard closed the lid on his laptop and pushed his chair back slightly.

Crossing the distance, I unknotted the belt. The coat fell open and the cold air instantly hardened my bare nipples.

“Something delicious, I see,” he mused, rubbing his chin.

Good.He was playing along. I stopped in front of his desk. “Where are we eating?”

He patted his lap. “Here, little author.”

With slow, pointed steps, I moved into his grasp.

“I think I want you to eat first,” Leonard said, the challenge clear in his voice. He didn’t believe I would do it. Other girls balked at the prospect of using their mouths.

I had been one of them, but now the right person was here. I wanted to devour him. I craved the idea of having that power over him.

---