“I nearly didn’t.”
Something in his tone made the chairman’s smile falter.
Julian saw him then.
For one brief second, his expression flickered.
Not fear.
Calculation.
He stepped forward quickly, bringing Chloe with him.
“Mr. Vance,” Julian said warmly. “An honor, as always.”
My father looked at him.
Then at Chloe.
Then at Julian again.
“Mr. Cross.”
The coldness of the greeting was subtle, but the men around them noticed.
Julian’s smile tightened.
“I didn’t realize you were attending tonight.”
“No,” my father said. “I imagine there are many things you didn’t realize.”
Chloe shifted, still smiling, though uncertainty touched her eyes.
Julian cleared his throat. “May I introduce Chloe Miller? She’s been assisting with some of our foundation outreach.”
“Assisting,” my father repeated.
Chloe extended a hand.
“It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vance. Julian speaks very highly of you.”
