Chapter Twenty Seven
Ryan’s POV
“Why are you provoking such an important guest?” Mr. Davis, my father’s assistant, asked.
I subtly shook my head, and his eyes narrowed.
People showed their true colors when they didn’t know I was Maximilian’s son, heir to an empire. I wanted to keep my identity a secret for as long as possible.
Thankfully, I could rely on Damien’s arrogance.
“I had the situation under control, but I appreciate your consideration, Mr. Edwards.” He said with a friendly smile. “I’m–Damien Kent. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
He stepped forward and held out a business card.
My father assessed him with a stony gaze.
Damien stood awkwardly as the silence stretched. He’d grossly misunderstood the situation–he had insulted the son of a very important man in the industry. After a tense minute, my father nodded to his assistant.
Mr. Davis took the business card, and Damien bristled at the slight.
“Mr. Edwards, I have always admired your business acumen. You have been a great inspiration to me-” Damien started, but my father interrupted his flattery.
“Get to the bottom of this situation, Mr. Davis.” He said before turning to me. “I’d like a word, young man.”
With that, he left, and his men in suits followed him in perfect formation. Vanessa smirked at me before turning her doe eyes to Mr. Davis. They glimmered with unshed tears as she made herself look helpless.
I was shocked.
She should have pursued acting instead of plagiarizing her way into the jewelry industry.
“I’m so relieved you came, sir.” She said innocently. “This beggar was-”
My father didn’t need another reason to be upset with me. Thurried to where he stood a short distance away, tapping his foot.
“Father, what a pleasant surprise.” I smiled.
He gave me a hard stare.
“Son, you’re hardly around these days. Now I run into you and you’re being thrown out of a prestigious exhibition?” He sighed. “Come on, Ryan, I expect better. Why can’t you be more like Steven?”
His words stung like a needle opening an old wound.
“That was a misunderstanding.”
“I don’t want to hear it.” Disappointment laced his voice. “You don’t take part in company affairs or act like an heir to a multibillion dollar company. Do you know what people say? That I’m lucky I have a dedicated son like Steven to help run the company while you fool around.”
“I’m not fooling around, father. I’ve been working hard as Rosemary’s assistant to gain firsthand experience of the industry.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter Twenty Seven
“As an assistant? Ryan, your brother is a vice president at my company. He’s expanding the family business and has settled down with a family of his own.” He shook his head. “I don’t know what to do with you.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I don’t want everything handed to me. I want to make a name for myself based on my ability, not my family’s status.”
His tone was reproachful. “Ryan, I built this company so you and your brother wouldn’t have to start at the bottom like I did.”
“I want to make my own way.” I said sincerely. “Please keep our relationship secret.”
I waited with bated breath.
“Very well.” He said, nodding reluctantly.
A wide smile broke across my face.
“Don’t look so smug. We still need to clean up the mess you made with Damien Kent.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he was already walking. The tense group silenced as we approached.
“Mr. Davis, please report your findings on the disturbance.”
“According to the lady,” He gestured to me. “This man was being removed from the premises because he could not afford to pay a sponsorship f*e.”
Vanessa chimed in. “I don’t even know why you let him in.”
My father regarded her solemnly.
“Art is not only for the rich. Anyone who appreciates these designs is welcome to attend the exhibitions.”
“But he was talking back to us, and Damien sponsored a hefty sum.” She whined.
“A person should be treated with dignity and respect, even if they can’t afford a sponsorship f*e.” He gave her a hard look. “If you cause another commotion, I’ll have you escorted from the premises.”
Vanessa shut her mouth.
“Sir, if I may?” I asked my father.
He raised an eyebrow. “What is it, young man?”
“I have another matter to attend to now, but I’d like to report a case of plagiarism before I go.” I said.
Damien stiffened.
I couldn’t take away Celeste’s heartache, but I could do this much for her.
“Mr. Kent’s company has been producing imitations of Rosemary’s designs.” I said, shaking my father’s hand. “If you’ll excuse me.”
I threw him a discreet wink as I left. I weaved through the crowd, flagging down the first waiter I saw,
“Please bring me a hot chocolate with a marshmallow in a takeaway cup.”
They hesitated. “Um, sir, we aren’t supposed-
“I’m sorry to interrupt you.” I said, pulling out a large bill But it’s urgent. Please make it happen.”
A moment later, I was exiting the exhibit with a piping cup of hot chocolate. I searched for a minute
Chapter Twenty Seven
leaning against the side of the building, sobbing into her hands.
