She nodded once, seeming to steel herself for what might come.

  “My grandfather.” He inhaled sharply before blowing out the breath. “He’s the vice chair of the bank we work at.”

  Her foot jerked from his grasp. “Mr. Hsu? Mr. Hsu is your grandfather!?!”

  “Yes. My mom’s father. Which is why I have a different last name.”

  She looked away, her body slowly relaxing into its prior position, as if every cell was slowly processing his words. She peered up at him.

  “And you didn’t want me to know? Why?”

  “No one at the bank knows. At least, I don’t think so. That was something I insisted upon as part of the deal I made with my grandfather. A deal which—” he said, as her mouth opened again to speak, “I’ll get to. First, the engagement.”

  She closed her mouth, nodding.

  “My grandfather pretty much disowned my mother soon after she married my father. He was upset that my dad refused to accept his offer to join the bank. And even more upset that his daughter stood by her husband’s side, and not his. So, he cut her access to all of the finances he had given her access to. All she had left was the trust she’d inherited from her mother—my maternal grandmother—who’d passed away when she was young.

  “I grew up without much exposure to my grandfather beyond the occasional old photo and an annual Christmas gift signed, ‘Grandfather Hsu.’ “ He chuckled. “Found out later on that my mom had just put his name on a gift she’d bought each year.” David settled into the sofa’s cushion, looking down at her leg as he began massaging the muscles in her calf.

  “I met Katherine in college. We were both undergrads in accounting. Hit it off. Got engaged. Announced it to my parents, the whole bit. A few months before the wedding, my parents sat me down and informed me that my mom was transferring her trust over to me as a wedding gift. Rights were to be automatically transferred to me as soon as my fiance and I signed the marriage certificate.

  “Unfortunately, that day never came.” He worried his bottom lip, his hands moving to work on Therese’s other calf. “A few weeks before the wedding, my parents were on their way to celebrate a housewarming a friend of theirs was hosting.” He clenched his jaw. “They never made it. There was an accident…on the road. I was told they didn’t suffer, though; there wasn’t time for them to feel anything.”

  “Oh, David,” Therese breathed. She pulled her legs from his lap and scooted next to him, taking his hand and enveloping it within both of hers.

  He nodded. “Thank you,” he said, briefly squeezing her hand. He took in a deep, shuddering breath. “Not long after that, my ex broke off our engagement. And I later found out from a contact that she’d come into a sudden windfall that far outpaced what I could do for her, with or without the trust. So, you can imagine my lack of surprise when my grandfather offered me a role at his bank.”

  He grumbled. “It was only months after his daughter had died. My parents. And the man was eyeballs deep in scheming to get his way.”

  He turned to look at her. “I refused, Therese. I wasn’t going to take the bait. I wasn’t going to become everything that my father hated. But life doesn’t always work out the way we’d planned, no matter how noble the plans.”

  He looked away from her. “It’s years later, but my grandfather finally got his way, Therese. I’m at the bank. But only because the money finally has value to me. It’s money my parents wanted me to have; and I want to spend it on something that honors their life and their sacrifices. I finally found that thing—something that reflects them and reflects me. That’s got to be worth it, right?”

  “I don’t understand, David.”

  “The trust,” he said. “It was adapted so that it would fall to me as soon as I was married.” He shrugged. “I never got married. And my parents weren’t around to adjust the requirements. When they died, it fell back into the care of my grandfather.”

  “Does he have the power to change the requirements?”

  David nodded, his eyes not leaving hers.

  “But he won’t,” she stated.

  He looked away, clamping his teeth together. “And he’s assured me that taking him to probate court over it would be a bad idea, considering the depth of his pockets versus my own. Instead, he’s added the clause that I can receive it upon completion of my third year of working at his bank.” He looked back at her. “I’ve just started year one.”

  “Whoa,” she breathed, blinking. “David. That’s…pretty cold-hearted. He’s using what was meant to be a gift–”

  “As a bribe,” David bit out. “As a carrot that he dangles in front of me every chance he gets.” He laughed bitterly. “And it’s working.”

  “But what does he expect to get out of this?”

  He shook his head. “I think he’s got it in his head that some ‘bastard’ switch will turn on inside me if I’m in his world. My biggest fear is that he’s right. But if a few million can turn a man against his own family…” he pursed his lips. “I don’t want any part of that. And neither did my dad.”

  He sucked in breath through his nose and released it in a loud sigh. “Other than turning me into the next generation version of himself, I think he just wanted a lap dog. Did you know that Howards was married to the Mayor’s daughter?”

  “Howards? He’s so—”

  “Approachable?”

  “Yes,” she nodded, smiling. “A very democratic way to put it. I guess I wouldn’t have seen him as the type to hob-nob with the likes of the Mayor and such.”

  “He’d married Charlotte years ago. But her father had just run for and won the seat these last two terms. Oldest Mayor we’ve had in this city! And that party you were at was to celebrate his retirement from office as well as to welcome the incoming Mayor and her family.”

  “So, Howards had some influence.”

  “Right. At least for this Mayor’s last two terms. As soon as that last term was grinding to a close, he lost his leverage. And my grandfather was able to force Howards into retirement, opening a seat for…moi. His newest toy.” He inhaled, his lips twisting. “And thus, the letters that I loathed to add my name to.”

  “The letters that got you and me here,” she reminded him.

  His sneer melted and, instead, a corner of his lips lifted. “Yeah,” he said softly, gazing into her eyes. “Thank you for reminding me of that.”

  She let out a deep breath. “Well! This is some crazy kind of drama,” she chuckled, shaking her head. “I think I need some tea. You want some tea, or anything?” she asked him.

  “I’ll take some tea, too.”

  “I gotchu,” she said, patting his thigh. “I’ll make it just the way you like.”

  David nodded, enjoying the scene of her walking into her kitchen.

  Relaxing, he let his body sink into her sofa, amazed at how well she had taken his disclosure.

  As soon as she’d passed through the entrance, Therese plastered her back against her kitchen wall, her hand on her chest as it rose and fell rapidly.

  What had she gotten herself into the middle of?

  Millions? Family Trusts? Bribery? Disownment? Betrayal. All in the same family!

  And she’d thought a side-hustle was complicated?

  How did she get from there to here?

  Okay, Therese, does what he shared change anything about the way you feel about him?

  No.

  Does it change the way you see him?

  …Maybe? She’s dating a guy with a trust. A freakin’ trust. And an heir—if he wanted to be.

  She walked to her electric kettle, turning it on with a flick of the switch.

  “...some ‘bastard’’ switch will turn on inside me if I’m in his world…”

  She stared at the blue light imbuing the water and listened to the sound as it began to boil.

  She shook her head.

  They were still getting to know one another, she and David. But she’d never seen any reason to think he could ever be the cold, ruthless man he described when speaking of his grandfather.

  Quite the opposite.

  He was a man that’d inspired her to think beyond herself. To help others. He was a man that refused to be called, “Boss”. A man who didn’t mind rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty to be her hero.

  And he wanted to, at least, talk about marrying her.

  A smile crept up her face. She’d nearly forgotten that part of their conversation!

  And if they did decide to marry, one day, he’d get his trust. He wouldn’t have to wade through three whole years at the bank under his grandfather’s thumb.

  But what would happen if his grandfather found out about that prospect? What would he do?

  Chapter 11

  “They haven’t paid their balance yet?” David asked, mortified. “Therese, they’re taking advantage of your kindness and your reliance on their word of mouth. I have experience with collecting bills from these types of people. Let me help you.”

  “No,” she shook her head.

  So what if her client was being stubborn about paying the remaining half of her fee? She needed to take care of things herself. What kind of business person would she be if she relied on other people to do her job? “It’ll be okay. I’ll send them an email–”

  “That doesn’t work for these types of people, Therese. They know the leverage they have over you. Let me help you. Just this one time, okay?”

  He looked down at the phone she grasped.

  “Text me their number. And their names. I’ll need to do a bit of research into who their friends and associates are before I make my call.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Nothing they’re not used to, Therese. I promise. I got this.”

  She pursed her lips.

  “Look,” he said, leveling his gaze with hers, “if you had the money you would outsource this kind of thing, anyway. I’m not doing anything you won’t, eventually, have someone else doing. It’s just delegation, Therese. Delegate the things you don’t want to do or the things that are not strengths so that you can focus more on your strengths; on the things that will help your business flourish.”

  Pressing her lips together, Therese nodded and typed in their information into her phone. Seconds later, David’s phone dinged.

  “Great. Thanks Boss,” he said, smirking.

  “What?” she laughed.

  “Well, when I call them I will be representing you. ‘Hello’,” he began in a rigid tone, “‘This is Mr. Lin with Taste and See catering.’ “

  He winked.

  She laughed and rolled her eyes.

  “At least I won’t be quite as reliant on the income as I would have been without this fundraiser. I’m so thankful Nyla pushed me to do it.”

  “When do you get to collect it?”

  “The goal date for the fundraiser is tomorrow and I collect about a week following that. Such a relief to know I’m a shoe-in with us being over our goal by a couple grand. I was so scared this whole time that we’d fall short and wouldn’t be able to redeem any of the funds!”

  “That’s a pretty sucky stipulation of that platform, if you ask me.”

  Therese shrugged. “I don’t disagree. But my cousin says it’s the most well known platform; which makes it ideal for marketing purposes and all.”

  “Nyla knows best, right? She’s been great with helping me set up my own fundraising campaign. Though I’m not one to gamble on a site like that, I’m really encouraged by your campaign. And with Howards already on board to support it, I think this stands a real chance.”

  She nodded. “I think we may have gotten Nyla hooked on this. Sounds like she’s offered to help a couple other organizations, too.”

  “Go Nyla! But when does she sleep?”

  “She’ll sleep when she’s dead,” they said in unison, repeating Nyla’s mantra.

  They laughed, and David bit his bottom lip. Looking over his shoulder, he swung back around and leaned in for a quick kiss.

  “Mmmm,” Therese hummed. “So you’re a risk taker, after all, huh?”

  “I can be, Therese,” he said, hovering over her mouth, “I can’t wait to show you Just. How. Much.”

  “Promises, promises,” she teased.

  “And I always keep my promises.”

  A throat cleared behind them.

  David whirled around, facing Mr. Hsu who stood in the threshold.

  “I trust I’m not interrupting anything,” he said, his hands clasped in front of him.

  Behind him, David heard Therese’s soft, “Oh, my gosh.”

  “Mr. Hsu. No, we were just conferring about a special case.”

  He grunted. “Of course. Miss Williams, is it?”

  He felt her move from behind him. She came to stand beside him, her back straight, chin held high and her eyes meeting his grandfather’s gaze.

  “Mr. Hsu,” she said, her voice crisp and professional as she offered him a curt nod.

  David couldn’t have been prouder.

  She turned to him, her face blank.

  “Mr. Lin, I’ll leave you to your meeting.”

  She spun on her heel and walked to the door.

  “Excuse me,” she said, when the man blocking the threshold failed to move.

  Still not looking in her direction, his eyelids slowly fell and rose before he stepped further into the room.

  “Please close the door behind you, Miss Williams,” he said as she brushed past him.

  “I’ve got it, Miss Williams,” David countered, striding across the space toward the door.

  From behind Mr. Hsu, Therese shook her head, and David stopped. She took hold of the knob, granting him a soft smile as she backed out. The door shut with a soft click.

  Mr. Hsu strolled behind David’s desk, and settled himself into his seat.

  “What are you doing, David?”

  David turned to meet the man’s scrutiny.

  “My job,” he responded, flatly.

  “Fraternizing with your assistant? Is that what we’re paying you to do, now?”

  “My assistant and I have to talk sometimes. Believe it or not, some of us actually think of our staff as human beings.”

  Mr. Hsu sighed.

  “Then why are you risking her job, David?”

  David’s shoulder sank.

  “You can’t count on my good graces for everything, David.”

  David chuckled. “I haven’t counted on your good graces for anything. Including the very inheritance that was always meant for me.”

  “Ahhh, so are we speaking candidly, now? People might hear, David. Closed doors aren’t always as trustworthy as one might think.”

  David’s lips pressed together.

  “What do you want, Mr. Hsu. Why did you come down here?”

  “I came…for this very reason, Son.”

  “Stop calling me ‘Son’!” David bit out.

  “David, then,” he responded, sharply. “Do you think I’ve been unaware of what’s going on?” Mr. Hsu huffed. “I’ve known since the party. The hostess is very talkative…including about her guest list.”

  He leaned forward.

  “She’s also a good friend of mine. As are a number of people that Miss Williams would love to cater to. I can make that happen.”

  He shrugged. “I can also make it never happen again.” He sucked his lips, shaking his head. “Shame that her last client has been so negligent with her payments, isn’t it? Only thing worse could be if one of her most generous donors for that little fundraiser of hers were to cancel his donation before she reached her goal date, tomorrow. Wouldn’t that mean she’d forfeit the whole amount?”

  David’s eyes widened. He charged the desk, slamming his fist upon it.

  “You miserable piece of sh–”

  His grandfather sucked his lips, again. “I don’t know if that’s the best way to talk to someone who holds Miss Williams’ dreams in his hands. Do you?”

  David clamped his mouth shut.

  “Why?” he muttered through tight lips.

  “I just want the best for my family. I always have. You’ll see. All I’m asking is for you to give this a chance. Three years is all I’ve asked, David.

  “And that’s what I’d already committed to.”

  “Yes, but,” Mr. Hsu shrugged. Sniffing, he added, “Somehow, I have the suspicion that you have other plans in mind.”

  “You assume I was going to marry her.”

  Mr. Hsu chuckled. “You weren’t?” He shook his head and wagged his finger at David. “Gotta admit, she’s a tougher nut to crack than your last one.”

  David’s brows furrowed.

  His grandfather’s eyes widened. “Ah, she didn’t tell you about our little visit? Hmmm.” He nodded. Rapping on the desk he added, “You know, if she was of the right caliber, I might’ve consented. But look how easily I can threaten her livelihood—and you through her? No, Son.” He snorted. “Howards had the right idea about one thing, at least. Marry someone who can threaten everyone else.”

  “If only the man could have been half as smart about other things. He should have never meddled with my affairs…my family. I told him not to approve that loan for your parents’ business. But he wouldn’t listen. He used to be Vice Chair, like me. Did you know that, David? But he made a decision. And he chose its consequences. Don’t you see, David? You’re a victim of consequence. This whole mess could have been avoided if anyone had bothered to listen to me from the start. I hope you won’t repeat their mistakes.”

  David’s heart galloped in his chest, his breathing came faster.

  Mr. Howards?

  His parents?

  A million questions whirled around in his mind.

  “Did you say you met with Therese?” David shook his head, raising his hand and raking shaky fingers through his hair. “Why should I believe you?”

  “Why would I lie? There are a lot of things you might call me. But David, am I a liar?”

  “What did you talk with Therese about?”

  “What do you think? Same script, David. I offered the chance for you both to see her true colors.”

  “You tried to bribe her to leave me.”

  Mr. Hsu didn’t bother confirming.