Page 2 of Damaged Mogul
“Tourelouand toodles, Lily,” she says, wiggling her fingers.
One would suffice. No need to double up on the idiocy.“See you.” I keep it brief.
And… she’s off.
The scent of my father’s girlfriend’s overpowering perfume still lingers in the air when a waiter materializes at our table. “May I take your drink order?”
“A Godfather for me and a Perrier pink grapefruit on ice for her.” My father orders on my behalf before I even have time to open my mouth.
God forbid I’d make my own choice.
The waiter’s eyes shift in my direction.
I respond with an imperceptible nod.
“That’s her usual drink.” My father snaps at the waiter.
The man nods. “Very well, sir.”
In no time, he returns with our drinks.
Before I even have time to wrap my fingers around the highball, my father drains half of his drink.
I dip my lips in my Perrier, ready to quench my thirst.
“Thanks for joining me,” my father says. “We have so much to celebrate today.”
I drop my highball on the table and sit a little straighter in my seat.
For a second there, I thought he had forgotten.
“It’s official as of today. Chandler is taking his BHAG by the balls.”
“Which of Chandler’sbig hairy audacious goalsare we talking about?”
“My first born is stepping into politics. I’ve been grooming him for long enough.” He claps before rubbing his hands together. “He’ll be running for mayor of New York City. That’s the first step on his upward trajectory towards the big seat––the presidency.”
My shoulders sag in disappointment.
This isn’t why I thought we were meeting tonight.
“His decision is going to have a monumental impact on the family.”
The family I’m ostracized from.
“You heading the publicity firm is more important now than ever before,” he says. “We need someone we can trust to craft Chandler’s image.”
His comment about me heading anything is laughable. Fisher Edgington is the ultimate puppet master. He pretends to give you control, but he’s the one pulling the strings.
I narrow my eyes. “According to Chandler, I don’t exist. He and my three other half-brothers feel the same way.”After all, I’m the villainess.“Need I remind you, your sons have treated me like a pariah since you became my guardian after Mama’s death. So, why on earth would Chandler want me to craft his political image when he can’t stand the sight of me?”
“A bit dramatic don’t you think?”
Keep sticking your head in the sand, Father. You excel at it.“Prove me wrong.” I cross my arms over my chest. “When was the last time any of your sons acknowledged me?”
My father averts his gaze as he pretends to adjust his tie.
“Speaking of your future career as the head of a successful PR company, I found someone who will accompany you to the event in LA.”
