Can’t argue with that.
Logan enters with Samantha on his arm, and I take my time looking at her. She’s changed into a burgundy dress that hits just above the knee. Simple, elegant. Dark hair falling in waves past her shoulders. Minimal jewelry. Heels that add a few inches but don’t scream desperation.
She looks nervous but controlled. Interesting combination.
Chelsea follows them in, laughing at whatever Logan just said. Black cocktail dress that’s too tight, too short. Logan’s hand hovers near the small of her back as he pulls out her chair.
He doesn’t pull out Samantha’s.
“Dad.” Logan’s voice has that false brightness he uses when he’s trying too hard.
“Good to see you again.” Samantha’s smile is polite, but her eyes are busy taking in the Christmas garlands wrapped around the chandelier and the formal place settings.
She’s sharper than Logan’s usual type. Those tend to be decorative and vacant.
“Sit.” I gesture to the chair directly across from me.
Logan steers her there, then takes the seat next to Chelsea instead. Samantha’s smile doesn’t slip.
Staff brings out the first course. Butternut squash soup with sage oil. I wait until everyone’s served before picking up my spoon. Old habit from business dinners where the first person to eat loses.
“So, Samantha.” I let her name hang in the air. “Logan tells us you work in marketing.”
“Digital marketing, yes.” Her voice is steady. “Brand development and social media strategy for a firm in Chicago.”
I study her over my glass. “Tell me about your family. Logan’s been vague.”
There. A flash of unease before she smooths it away.
“Not much to tell. My mother passed a few years ago. My stepfather lives in Denver.”
“Sorry about your mother.” I mean it, even though I’m also cataloging information. The background check I ordered yesterday said the same thing. Dead mother. Stepfather named Robert with gambling debts. Samantha lives paycheck to paycheck despite a decent job.
None of it explains why she’s with my disappointing middle son.
“Thank you.” She takes a careful sip of water. “Logan mentioned you run Hale Consolidated Industries. That must keep you busy.”
“It does.” I set down my glass with deliberate calm. “We’re acquiring a tech company in Denver. Due diligence has been eating up most of my time.”
Logan perks up like a dog hearing its name. “About that, Dad, I was thinking we could discuss my role in?—”
“After dinner.”
He deflates immediately. Chelsea touches his arm in what’s meant to be comfort. Samantha pretends not to notice, but her fork stills against her plate.
The main course arrives. Herb-crusted lamb with roasted vegetables. Conversation flows around the table. Kai and Chelsea discuss the gala. Donovan asks Samantha about Chicago, like a lawyer deposing a witness.
She answers with enough detail to sound genuine but not enough to reveal anything real.
“How long have you two been together?” I ask when there’s a lull.
“Ten months,” Samantha says.
“Almost a year.” Logan finally looks at her. “Time flies.”
“It does.” Her smile could cut glass. “Especially when you’re busy with work.”
There’s an edge there. Subtle but sharp.
