Chapter 2
The private room we ordered sat at the far end of the third floor.
When I walked in with a stack of documents in my arms, most people were already there.
Two investors sat on the left.
Local officials gathered near the head of the table.
Staff from the County Executive's Office took their seats in the back.
Richard walked in smiling, shaking hands and making small talk.
His booming voice made it sound like this whole gathering was his doing.
I had just set the documents down when he pointed at a seat.
"Emily, you sit over there," he said.
He meant the far corner, right by the service door, with the AC blasting straight at it.
The seat that should've been mine was already taken by Claire.
She'd clearly made an effort with her hair today.
Her lipstick was a bit brighter than usual.
When she caught me looking, she gave me a faint smile.
I didn't move.
One of the officials, Austin Bond, glanced at me.
"Who's she?" he asked.
Richard cut in with a smile.
"She's just a temp.
"Helps out wherever she's needed," he explained.
Scott Hayes, seated beside Claire, chuckled.
"Young people these days should start by learning the basics, like serving coffee, passing the files.
"When it really matters, just don't mess things up," he said.
I almost laughed.
At lunch, he mocked me for "being a pig."
And now, with everyone watching, he turned me into nothing but the help.
But he wasn't done.
When I didn't budge, Richard's smile faded.
"Emily. You haven't earned the right to sit next to me," he said.
The whole table went dead silent.
Even the server froze in place.
The two investors exchanged a glance.
Scott let out a dry laugh.
"Gotta start on the sidelines.
"You'll get your chance," he said.
Claire lowered her head and took a sip of coffee.
But she couldn't hide the smirk tugging at her lips.
Austin held his cup, his gaze flickered, then he said nothing.
I looked at Richard for two seconds.
I didn't make a scene, and I didn't cry.
I just held onto my documents and sat down in the corner.
Once I sat down, I took out my phone and shot off a quick text. [Uncle David, are you here yet?]
After sending it, I placed my phone face down on the table.
Richard visibly relaxed when he saw me take my seat.
He raised his glass and smiled at everyone around the table.
"You've got to take your time with young people," he said.
Claire was quick to chime in.
"Mr. Grant always expects a lot from us.
"We all respect that," she said.
Scott chimed in.
"That's right.
"Emily still needs some polishing.
"Mr. Grant's just giving her a lesson today."
I stared down at my coffee, and I almost felt sick listening to it.
With that, "we all respect that," Claire made it sound like she was Richard's own daughter.
After a couple of rounds of drinks, Richard started bragging.
He went on about how great Riverdale was, how efficient he was, how capable Claire was.
He made it all sound convincing.
He made it sound like this whole dinner existed because of him.
Midway through, Luke Carter, an investor, cut in. "Mr. Grant, wasn't Ms. Lane the one coordinating with us last time?"
Richard's smile faltered for a split second, then came right back.
"Young people are good at running around.
"But when it comes to follow-through, Claire's the one who keeps an eye on things," he replied.
Claire perked up in her seat.
"Mr. Carter, I'll be your point of contact from now on," she said.
Luke looked at her, a slight frown forming.
"Let me ask you something simple.
"The additional terms we discussed last time, what was your final response?" he said.
Claire's face went pale.
She tried to speak.
Not a word came out.
Richard turned to me immediately.
"Emily. What are you waiting for?
"Get over here and explain yourself," he ordered.
I didn't move.
"Mr. Grant. Weren't you the one who told me to learn my place?" I answered.
The tension tightened around the table.
Richard's glare could've burned a hole right through me.
But with so many people watching, he couldn't lose his temper.
He only said, "When I tell you to talk, you talk."
I was about to put down my fork when the door swung open.
I wasn't the first to stand up. Austin was.
Then the rest of the staff were on their feet.
Richard froze, then whipped his head around.
It wasn't a server in the doorway.
It was the County Executive, Ryan Miller.
And right behind him was David Harper, my uncle, the secretary general.