Page 12 of Takeover
“Oh, how are you?I saw the initial donation numbers from the benefit.They were good.We were up from the last two events by three percent.”
“Yeah, about that.There’s been a development.”
My stomach sank.It was bad enough that Becks could no longer put on the benefit.I couldn’t take it if the organization struggled as a result.“Oh no.”
“No, no, it’s good.I mean you did it, so you would know.I just never imagined.”
I frowned, confusion edging out concern for dominance.“Doctor Hamann, I’m sorry, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
There was a long pregnant pause.“What?Are you sure?We have a five million dollar donation made in your name.”
My breath caught in my throat.For precious seconds no air made it in or out.“What?From who?”
“It looks like the payment came from Pendragon Charities.They made it in your name.The funds cleared this morning.I thought you knew.”
Fucking Atticus Price.
“I don’t know what to say.”
The doctor laughed.“Honestly, neither do I.Except, thank you.A donation like this will allow us to continue the work we do for years.It’s a little overwhelming.But we’re grateful.”
Fuck me.Why would he do that?Especially after I’d insulted him.
Do you want him to take it back?
No.Of course not.But hell, five million dollars?That was… That was mind blowing and reckless.
“Well, I’m glad the money can do some good.I will find Mr.Price and thank him.”
After I hung up with her, I stared at my phone.How the hell did one even go about finding a billionaire to say thank you for something like this?I didn’t ask for this, but like hell was I going to turn it down.Hearts and Hope could use it.
A nearly hysterical laugh escaped my lips.Holy shit.Maybe I needed to insult billionaires more often.Maybe I could save my company that way.
The doorbell rang, and Clarissa called out, "Gwen, darling, do you mind getting that?"
"Sure."I stuffed a canapé into my mouth and started toward the door.I wished I had dressed better.Dad would likely have something to say about my outfit.I had gone to my apartment and changed into slim-fit, dark-washed jeans and a mustard-colored crop-top sweater, and had gone casual.I still had on perfume and earrings, because if I didn't, Dad would be on my back.
How do you expect anyone to respect you if you don't respect yourself and dress accordingly?
I rolled my eyes as I strode for the door.Our butler, Marcus, was also headed that way, and I gave him a shake of my head."I got it."
"Yes, miss."The short, pudgy man had been with my family long before Mom died.He looked exactly the same.Maybe his middle was getting just a little bit wider, but he was still ruddy-faced with a patch of wiry white hair on his head that was slightly unkempt.I jogged up the three steps to the vestibule and swung the door open, freezing stock-still when I saw who stood on the other side.
Nepo baby himself.
A prickle of alarm chirped over my skin with a tingle and a hint of bite."What are you doing here?"
"Aren't you hospitable?"Atticus Price proffered a bottle of wine."Your father invited me."
I ignored the bottle."We don't have anything to discuss."
There was that uptilt of his lips again."You might want to speak with your father about that."
I crossed my arms and lifted my chin."What’s that supposed to mean?"
He lifted a brow, assessing me."I suppose it means you will find out soon enough."
"You know I'll fight this sale, right?"
