Page 93 of Just a Plot Twist
“It’s more than a simple contribution. Besides, I gotta tell you, Foundations has already lost a couple of big clients. And if word of mouth influences others to leave…”
“But I thought the injunction would protect that from happening.”
“The injunction will prevent him from stealing any more lists, but it can’t prevent the clients who have already moved over to do a little recruiting on the side. A lot of companies have incentive programs.”
“Like a refer-a-friend type of thing?”
“Yes.” A muscle in his face twitches. “And the injunction is being filed this morning. We don’t know if it will be granted. Either way, this whole thing could prove detrimental to the company for a while.”
I swallow hard. “I’m sorry, Benson.”
“Did you know about their involvement?”
“You keep saying involvement, but what are you talking about, exactly?”
He takes a slow breath in and out. “Have your grandparents ever asked you any questions about me? About Foundations?”
“They don’t know you’re involved with the company. Or the Tates at all. This is one reason I need to talk to them.”
“Claire, they contributed a large sum of money to the Schillers for the purpose of supporting their new business. But, considering the amount, this might be a partnership, not a simple donation.”
I step off the sofa. “They did?” Disappointment filters through me. I shake my head. “They were upset about the firing, sure. I didn’t know they were joining forces with Epic.”
“They could be silent partners. Maybe they’re not partners at all. But it’s something. Maybe I’m crazy but it feels targeted.”
I huff out a pent-up breath and sink back down on the sofa next to him. “How do you know about the contribution?”
“I saw proof on public record. It’s real, Claire, and my father is beside himself. First he’s betrayed by Peter and then his daughter-in-law’s own grandparents contributed to the cause?”
“I’m so sorry, but these are my grandparents’ actions. Not mine.”
“I know.” But there’s something in his eyes. A hedging. Like maybe he doesn’t reallyknow for surethat I had no idea. That I’m not involved.
I scoot back. “Are you doubting what I’m telling you?”
“No.” But the word is uncertain. “I mean, I trust you, Claire.”
I shoot up from the sofa again. “Benson, why would they have talked to me about any of this? They don’t know we’re dating or that you’re part of the Tate family. It makes sense that they’d talk to Sophie about it, but—”
Benson gets up and begins to pace. “It becomes problematic because…”
“Because of what?”
“A couple of weeks ago, after you’d mentioned the trailways project, Thomas and Celine made a contribution.”
“What? They donated money? So many donations, I can’t keep track of all this.”
He stops pacing and nods. “My dad told me right after he mentioned the line items from your grandparents. He said that my brother Gabriel used his consulting firm to help Thomas and Celine make a donation. But he was saying it’s sizable and he’s not sure it would be good, given that you have these ties to the Schillers.”
“I have ties to them? I’m not a Hanson. I’m a Lawson.” I fold my arms, the injustice of it all burrowing inside me. “Is this about my grandparents or about me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are your parents rethinking their support of the trailways project because of what my grandparents did? Are they grouping me into this? That’s not fair.”
“You’re right.” He chews his bottom lip. “I’m sorry. And I don’t know what will happen with the donation to the project, but it’s nothing against you personally.”
I swallow against the discomfort. “The trailways project is something I’m doing, yes. But the contribution is to the city. It’s not to me.”
