Chapter 4 - The Cracks in the Mask
Spencer didn't move for a full minute.
He stared at me as if I were a ghost.
Paisley tugged on his arm,
her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.
"Spencer,
who is that?"
she hissed,
looking at my emeralds with pure envy.
"That...
that’s Phoebe,"
Spencer stammered,
his voice barely a breath.
"Don't be ridiculous,"
Paisley snapped.
"Your wife is at home in a rag."
"That woman is wearing millions of dollars in jewelry."
I turned my head just enough to catch Spencer’s gaze.
I didn't smile.
I didn't frown.
I simply looked through him as if he were made of glass.
I turned back to the Mayor,
engaging in a conversation about the city's new arts initiative.
"Phoebe has always had an eye for philanthropy,"
my father said,
patting my hand.
"She’s been managing our family's private foundations behind the scenes."
Every word was a calculated strike.
Every person in the room was now looking at Spencer Reed with suspicion.
The man who had been bragging about his "power" was now the man who had left the Harrell heiress at home.
Spencer began to walk toward us,
his gait unsteady.
He pushed past a group of investors,
ignoring their confused glances.
He reached the edge of our table,
his eyes frantic.
"Phoebe?"
he asked,
his voice trembling.
My father stood up slowly,
his height dwarfing Spencer.
"Mr. Reed,"
my father said,
his voice like a falling guillotine.
"I believe you are at the wrong table."
"Raymond,
I...
I didn't know,"
Spencer started,
his hands shaking at his sides.
"I didn't know she was your daughter."
"That is the problem,
isn't it?"
I said,
finally speaking.
My voice was calm,
melodic,
and utterly cold.
"You only care about people when you know what they can do for you."
"Phoebe,
please,
let’s talk privately,"
Spencer pleaded,
conscious of the hundreds of eyes on him.
"We have nothing to talk about,
Spencer,"
I said,
taking a sip of my wine.
"I’m here with my father."
"And you are here with...
who was she again?"
I looked over at Paisley,
who was standing a few feet back,
looking like a child in a costume.
"Oh,
right."
"The girl who said I would only embarrass you."
May you like
The room erupted in whispers.
Spencer looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole.
