Julian recovered first.
“Arthur,” he said quietly, attempting familiarity now, “there’s been a misunderstanding.”
My father’s eyes did not move.
“Was the misunderstanding when you left my daughter at home in a worn dress? Or when you brought your mistress here wearing jewelry purchased through a business account? Or when you told a room full of investors that an upgrade was worth waiting for?”
Chloe’s hand slipped from Julian’s arm.
The senator took a step back.
Julian’s face hardened.
“That was taken out of context.”
My father nodded once.
“Good. Then you won’t mind if everyone sees the context.”
He lifted one hand.
At the back of the ballroom, the enormous charity screen flickered.
The auction slides disappeared.
For a moment, the screen went black.
Then Chloe’s video began playing.
Her laughing face appeared first, bright and smug. Then the camera turned toward Julian. His voice filled the ballroom clearly.
