Page 62 of Crash Course
"Thankfully, it was only me who saw it."
"I believe your father told you we’re having that test redone."
"I’m aware. However, to answer your question about why I was in Morgan, I was curious. I’m an attorney and my father’s daughter. I see it as my responsibility to protect him. That’s all I want."
"And you don’t think I do?"
Cilla shrugged. "I don’t know you well enough to guess what you want. I saw a report claiming extraordinary amounts of PFOA on a property Dad intends on buying. I owe it to him to voice my concerns. Plus, if you want to expand the landfill, why not buy property next to the existing one? None of this makes sense. That’s why I went to Morgan."
Paul’s mouth slid into a greasy, almost caustic how-dare-you smile that sent equal parts infuriation and fear snaking inside her.
Paul could create havoc between her and her father. Havoc with Dad? Not fun.
"Look, Cilla, I know your father confides in you. This isn't your business."
"I respectfully disagree. Anything regarding my father and potential legal exposure is my business."
"You don’t think I’m worried about legal exposure?"
"Frankly, Paul, your concerns don’t matter to me. You may be an executive of the company, but you don’t own it. It’s not your legacy. You realize, I’m sure, Brittney Tate has cancer."
He let out a frustrated huff. "Wow. Sherry was chatty yesterday. How the hell long were you there?"
"Long enough to have concerns about a so-called incorrect toxicology report and a little girl with cancer. Brittney came outside while I was trying to make sense of buying property, supposedly for use as a landfill, beside a daycare. I can’t imagine the town will allow a landfill to go in next to a daycare."
"For your information, we’re interested in all the surrounding property. I need you to stay out of this, Cilla."
Having had enough of Paul, Cilla stood. "I will not. At least until I see a toxicology report that clears that property. My father seems convinced it’s safe."
"It is."
"Since you’re so confident, my involvement shouldn’t worry you."
Finally taking the hint, Paul stood, adjusting his suit sleeves before meeting her eye. "I don’t want you screwing up this deal. Please don’t talk to the Tates again."
Whether he was asking or telling her, she wasn’t sure. Either way? No promises.
"Thanks for the talk. I have work to do."
"I’m sure. Just so we’re clear, you need to back off. Understood?"
Wait one second . . .Was Paulthreateningher? And did Dad know? At the very least, Dad probably knew she’d gone to Morgan and that Paul intended to speak with her. Beyond that? No way to know.
However, she’d learned early in her career to never give her power to a man.Ever.Feeling intimidated was one thing, showing it another.
She tilted her head, offered her own sleazy smile. "I don’t take orders from you. Now, get out of my office."
The second Paulleft the suite, Cilla dropped into her chair, blew out a hard breath, and shook off the chill that landed on her.
What the hell had just happened?
She and Paul? They’d had hundreds of conversations. All of them friendly. In short, nothing like what just happened.
What now? Call Dad? Give him an earful?
Or wait. See if Dad reached out. Rethinking her earlier assumptions that Dad was in the loop on Paul talking to her, she walked it back. Paul could be up to something and hiding it from Dad. Which might be why he’d taken such an offensive tone with her.
In which case, if Dad didn’t know, should she beat Paul to it and tell him?
