I blink a few times. If I sayluck, I think he’ll fire me on the spot.
“Morale,” he enunciates. “Belief. Confidence. Fucking fairy dust—whatever you want to call it. The special ingredient that makes the impossible possible. It happens when enough people believe in the possibility of a certain outcome, and go above and beyond to achieve it.” He raps his knuckles on the desk. “That’s all you need to quantify. Morale. It won’t be 100% accurate, but with everything else in place, it’ll bedamnclose.”
My first instinct after the meeting with Ilya is to run to my computer and get to work. That’s quickly sidelined by the memory of Asher, the look he gave me. I should go talk tohim, even if it’s just about work.
All of that’s wiped away when Hunter’s name flashes across my screen. A midday call from him is never good. It means that something’s wrong with Mom, or—
“What is it?” I say as soon as I pick up, stopping at the end of the hallway. “What’s wrong? Is Mom okay?”
“Huh? Oh, she’s fine. I’m calling because of Reynard.”
My earlier excitement is wiped away by irritation. “I’m not going, and now isn’t a good time to argue about it. I’m at work.”
“This’ll only take a minute. Here’s my offer. I’ll fund a scholarship at California Institute of TechandMIT in Sal’s name. 6 students every year at each school, full-ride, all expenses covered scholarship. That’s 12 bright young people winning the fuckinglottery, and it renews annually. The offer expires in one minute, when I hang up.”
I love my brother, but times like this, I fuckinghatehim because he knows how to get me to agree to something. I just never thought he’d find a way to strong arm me into going to Reynard’s engagement party.
But, if I say no, I’m missing a golden opportunity to honor the man who helped shape me. Doing that would dishonor his memory and our relationship.
“No new building in his honor?” I hedge.
Hunter scoffs. “Don’t push it. You have thirty seconds until the deal expires.”
Fuck my life.I don’t want to see Reynard,ormy half siblings and step siblings. At best, they were cold and standoffish when I saw them growing up; at worst, they were outright hostile and cruel, reminding me that I was the only bastard.
“Fifteen seconds.”
“I hate you,” I tell Hunter. “I truly,trulydespise you, and I’m giving you a black eye the next time we see each other.” It’s a totally empty threat. I’m not a violent person by nature.
“Five, four, three, two—”
“Deal,” I grit out.
“Excellent. I’ll send my jet for you the day before. Two days, actually, so you can see Mom. Bring appropriate clothing, and make sure you request the time off.”
“I will get you back for this,” I swear.
“I’m doing you a favor. You might not be as money-driven as the Asters, but you’ll eventually thank me. Having a trust fund and an inheritance never hurt. I’m looking out for you.”
He hangs up.
I nearly throw my phone at the nearest wall, but it lights up with a message from Asher. My body tightens in fear and anticipation, which deflates when I read his text.
Asher:Simulation Chamber now, Intern. Stop fucking slacking.
It would appear we’ve returned to the status quo of him being a jerk.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Asher
Two minutes after I send the text, Victoria shows up in the simulation analysis room. She looks disheveled and conflicted.
What’s wrong?
I almost ask the question. Iwantto ask the question, but she’s the one who found hiding in a maintenance room preferable over saying hello to me today, so I don’t bother. Her message was received, loud and clear; she’s repulsed by our kiss.
And I amdefinitelynot upset about it. I’m just eager to get to work.
