Page 19 of Crazy In Love
“No help required here. Mr. Chadwick requested that we get your building and window power washed. He just now texted and asked me to let you know that this is a peace offering and you can call it even now.”
Oh my gosh.
He was buying me off.
He knew I didn’t write that column; I’d proven it. But instead of just apologizing, he thought he could get my building cleaned and call it even?
I stepped forward and stood in front of Fancy Suit Guy. “And you are?”
He startled a bit, maybe surprised that I was asking.
“I’m Brenner Layton. I’m Mr. Chadwick’s executive assistant, and this is Walter—he works for the company that cleans our building in the city.”
“Good to know. You aren’t from Rosewood River, obviously?” I asked.
“No. I live in San Francisco. But Mr. Chadwick wanted me to come oversee this job to make sure it was done correctly.” His lips turned up in the corners as if that should make it all better.
“May I have your phone, Brenner?”
“My phone?” he asked, looking completely confused by the question.
“Yes. Please. I’d like to reply to Mr. Chadwick myself, and I don’t have his phone number,” I said, my tone even and calm.
“Oh, that would be wonderful, Emilia.”
Interesting that he knew my name. His gaze turned to Cara, who was standing beside me, and I saw something there. As if he recognized her and was surprised to see her here at the shop. He was probably the one who’d pulled the camera footage for his boss.
I took his phone and typed out a quick text.
Brenner
This is Emilia. Nice try, Daddy Warbucks. You can’t buy me off. I don’t need your money. I would like a genuine apology. So suck it, and apologize.
I handed the phone back to Brenner, who gaped at the screen as he read my message.
“Oh, this is not good. But nice touch with the Daddy Warbucks. I am a bigAnniefan. But this won’t land well,” he said.
“Who is Daddy Warbucks?” Cara asked. “And are we thinking Bridger Chadwick egged your building?”
I blew out a breath and studied her as Brenner’s mouth fell open a little bit at her insinuation. It was definitely clear that he knew she was the culprit.
“No, Cara. I think we all know that Bridger did not egg my building. How about you go back inside and check on that arrangement.” I didn’t smile, because I was not in the mood to play this game with her.
“Whatever.” She turned and walked back inside.
“I’m assuming Daddy Warbucks told you about the footage we pulled, yes?” Brenner asked.
“He sure did.”
“Okay, then.” He cleared his throat. “So can we continue with our job and get this all cleaned up for you?”
“Absolutely not,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “Walter, I apologize for wasting your time. I will be cleaning these windows myself. I will not be bought off by a man because he’s too much of a stubborn ass to give me a simple apology.”
Brenner winced at my words, and Walter chuckled.
Clearly, one of these guys was on the payroll.
“He really wants to take care of this for you,” Brenner said.
