Page 19 of Until We Burn
That overly gracious smile winds across Gregory’s face, hiding the manipulative intentions lurking beneath.
I irritably take a sip of water. Through the glass, I can see Kai sitting diagonally across from me. He’s calm and quiet, yet the slight tremor in his hands says otherwise. I want to go over there and apologize, but a thought pulls me back.
No. You need to focus on the speech. Keeping your place in the succession plan comes down to impressing the HMG’s business partners. Not reconciling with Kai.
Kai is not the priority.
Winning is.
The speeches go by in a blur. Before I know it, applause erupts, and I’m numbly mimicking everyone else while sinking under the weight of my own panic.
When the podium is cleared, I walk towards it with my nerves bundled tight.
The podium wings dig into my hands. I stare out at the dinner party, where my siblings watch me closely. But the calculating competitiveness in their stare is nothing compared to the hunger in bàba’s eyes, which reminds me to make him proud if it’s the last thing I do.
I straighten up and fake a smile at the audience.
“I’m aware the plan this evening is to highlight my ambitions for furthering the partnership between the HMG, the Pacific Observer, and the Decibel 6. But what good are potential plans? So much can changein a year, which is why I want to march forward with you now and produce a timely and pertinent story with global impact.”
Interest flickers across our partners’ faces. Whispers stir amongst the crowd as I discuss the news release from the DHU microbiology department.
“Rather than speculating if we will be a good fit later on, you can make your decision now by collaborating on a joint project with me to shed light on this significant issue that highlights the accomplishments of women in science.”
Our partners clap for me. I sag in relief when I see bàba’s glowing smile and his loud, eager applause.
Just before dinner is served, Patrick Hertzberg, the senior editor of Decibel 6, approaches me.
“I absolutely love your idea, Diana! Do you have time next Thursday to meet about this?”
Gregory darts to his feet. Despite the restrained anger in his voice, he chuckles. “You must’ve forgotten, Patrick. We planned to go golfing that day to discuss my digital campaign in detail.”
“We can reschedule it.” Patrick smiles. “Diana’s idea is more timely. I’m sure you understand.”
Gregory fumes in his seat as I arrange a meeting with Patrick. The second Patrick walks away, I smile back at him.
“You learnt from the best, you say? Well, so did I.” I snatch up his glass of champagne. “Insult me or Sophia again, and Patrick Hertzberg won’t be the only thing I take from you.”
Gregory glares at me.
As satisfying as it is to watch him fume and go red, there’s a target on my back now. Whatever hell he and the rest of my siblings dragged me through before the speeches won’t stop here.
CHAPTER 10
DIANA
My eyessneakily dart back and forth between my plate and my siblings throughout dinner. They don’t acknowledge nor say a word the entire time.
My nerves slowly unravel, relief sinking in.
Then Gregory lets out a sigh.
“The joint project is pretty ambitious, Diana. I hope you’ll be able to pull it off.” He cocks his head and smiles at Kai. “What do you think, Mr. Mason-Maiau?”
Kai stiffens. His hand winds around his glass of water, making his knuckles go white. Still, he offers Gregory a kind smile he doesn’t deserve.
“I…I think we should talk about this at a better time. You know, when we’re not trying to shove food in our mouths.”
“Of course.” Gregory chuckles. “I’m asking you for too much anyways. You’re only an intern, after all.”
