Prescott's smile thinned. You have been spending a remarkable amount of time around Delaney. Have I? Dinner, coffee, hospital visits.
Merritt's expression did not change. You keep careful records. That is part of my job. Prescott stepped closer, lowering his voice.
My job also includes protecting this company from people who mistake access for opportunity. Merritt understood immediately. He set his glass down. Then do your job.
I am. Prescott glanced toward Tamsin, then back at him. You are behind on your mortgage. You work maintenance.
Delaney is worth more than most people can imagine. Do you expect me to believe none of that matters to you? Merritt's jaw tightened, but his voice stayed low. What matters to me is that my daughter gets home before 10:00 on a school night.
Very noble. It is also true. Prescott gave a soft laugh. Men in your position always say they do not want money until money is offered.
Merritt looked him directly in the eye. You should be careful about using a bank account to measure a man. Prescott's gaze sharpened. And you should be careful about forgetting where you are.
I know exactly where I am. Merritt looked around the ballroom. In a room full of people raising money to help strangers, while you stand here explaining why strangers should know their place. That should have ended it.
It did not. Prescott raised his voice just enough for the nearest guests to hear. Then perhaps you can explain why you have been pursuing Delaney Wickham. Conversations softened around them.
Merritt's face went still. Across the room, Delaney turned. Prescott, she said. He ignored the warning.
You show up at her gala. You meet her privately. You let her discover your financial problems. Now you are here again.
Tamsin had stopped speaking to the engineer. She was watching her father. Merritt saw her and something in him changed. Not into anger, but resolve.
My daughter is here because her school program invited her. Prescott spread one hand. Of course. Delaney crossed the ballroom.
That is enough. Is it? Prescott asked. Because the board deserves to know whether someone is taking advantage of your judgment.
The room had gone nearly quiet now. Merritt looked at Delaney. For one painful second, she did not speak. Not because she believed Prescott.
Because the letters were suddenly in her mind. The initials. The garage job. The warehouse nights.
The sentence about dignity. Prescott mistook her silence for doubt. There, he said softly, even she sees it. Merritt nodded once, almost to himself.
Then he reached for Tamsin's coat. "Come on, kiddo." Tamsin's eyes were bright with confusion. "Dad, did we do something wrong?"