Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
“Excuse me?” Now, she had gone too far.
“Are you not paying attention? Haven’t you seen what this ‘Me Too’ movement has done? It’s empowered these girls to think that if they bed a powerful man, they can blackmail them, and now people will actually believe them when they say that they were sexually harassed. There are ramifications for this even if you work in the public sector. You cannot be seen with her.”
“Are you accusing me of sexually assaulting my paralegal?”
“No, I’m accusing you of being stupid enough to let her lead you around by your pants. You’re being short-sighted and ridiculous. Even if everything is consensual, she could change her mind. She could start saying all types of things, and even if she doesn’t, even if she is a good person or she really likes you, now what’s to say that’ll stay the same when you get her pregnant?”
My heart started thundering in my ears. Pregnant. I had already thought of that. I doubted she’d had health insurance before working here, and I didn’t know if her insurance had kicked in yet. Even if it had, that didn’t necessarily mean she was on birth control.
She was right. This horrible shrew of a woman standing in front of me was right. My actions toward Eddie were undermining the wedding. My union with Catherine was a tool, but I had to wield it properly to reap the benefits. If not, it could backfire, and then there would be no saving my career, regardless of the criminals I got off the streets.
“Fine,” I said.
“Good, now that is straight. All you have to do is fire the tart, and you will be able to focus. Women like that don’t belong in this office anyway.”
Had she just left it alone, I wouldn’t have said anything. I would have let her have her little victory, but I would not tolerate her speaking about Eddie like that. Eddie didn’t need me to protect her from my mother, but I was going to do it anyway.
“Since I have you here, I think it’s high time we get a few other things straight.” I stood to my full height, and took a few steps closer to my mother, towering over her. “You do not dictate who I do and don’t work with. You have no authority in this office, and you will not barge in here unannounced again. I don’t care if it’s in the middle of the day or after hours. It will not happen again.”
“I am still your mother. You will show respect.”
“No, you are the slut who cheated on her husband and made me a bastard. You are also the conniving bitch who abused my sister and embarrassed my father. Don’t think for a second, I don’t have files and files of proof that you are also a criminal—”
“I am a law-abiding citizen. You have nothing on me.”
“You committed financial fraud when you manipulated the purchase of several businesses to make it look like the Manwarrings were targeting the DuBoises. You were also a conspirator in the kidnapping of Olivia Manwarring. That is financial fraud, conspiracy in the kidnapping, and there is the little matter of insider trading. Not to mention the bruises you have left on Amelia her entire life.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, no. I would. I really would, but as it stands, bringing charges against you would be a headache for me as well as the people I care about. But if you ever speak disrespectfully to Eddie or anyone else in this office again, I will buy stock in Advil and press charges on behalf of the city of New York. I will also have a little sidebar with Manwarring Enterprises and DuBois Investments about suing you, and just for shits and giggles, I will get Olivia Manwarring to sue you for damages.”
Watching the blood drain from my mother’s face was even more satisfying than it was when a hardened career criminal realized it was over for them.
“You would only drag your own name through the mud.” Her lips trembled as she spoke.
“No, I wouldn’t. I have been paying attention, Mother. Just because I have refused to stoop to your level thus far doesn’t mean that I can’t spin this and show that I am the hero son standing up for justice, holding the aristocracy to the same laws as everyone else. I will get a statue in Central Park and a clear path to the presidency.”
I wasn’t bluffing. The files were already backed up to a secure drive.
“Son, you are making a mistake. I am untouchable.” She twisted her lips into a cruel smirk. “I have the best attorney in the state. He will mop the floor with you.”
“No, he won’t. Not when he reads the charges. The family lawyer represents the family. This goes public, the divorce filing will follow, and the lawyer stays with Dad. Your assets will all be seized. The only representation you will get is a public defender fresh from law school and wet behind the ears. He won’t even know how to argue for bail. Not that he’ll need to when I show how much of a flight risk you are.”