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My thumb hovers over the button. Every other time things became difficult, Eric came to me. This time, I want to be the one who shows up.

I delete the message, pick up my handbag, and go to him.

39

ERIC

For four days, everyone has congratulated me. The board sent champagne to my office, and my phone is full of messages I haven’t opened. I can’t bring myself to read them.

I sit at my desk, caught in the same conflict I’ve felt since Friday. Part of me is relieved. I haven’t ruined my first major project, and no one can say I’m not capable of replacing my father as CEO. But the relief never lasts. My hotel doesn’t only affect me. It hurts Rachel, and I hate that far more than I enjoy winning.

I still haven’t heard from her. All I can picture is her hurting because of something I’ve done.

My office door opens, and Daniel walks in without knocking. One look at his face tells me he’s furious.

“How the hell did Ava McLeod get that contract?” he snaps. “I thought you were staying out of it.”

“I did.” This is the first I’ve heard about her winning it. “Good for her.”

“Sure, it’s good for her. But it’s my year to oversee the event, which means I’m the one who has to work with her.”

“It’ll only be a few meetings.”

Daniel opens his mouth to argue, then takes a proper look at me. Some of the anger leaves his face.

“Why do you look so miserable?” he asks.

“Why do you think?”

He rests a hand on the back of the chair across from me. “You got the city to approve the largest Voss project in years. Dad would’ve been proud. You should be happy.”

“I know.”

I spent most of my life chasing the small bits of praise Dad gave me. I thought if I earned enough, I might finally feel as though I belonged. Now I have the win he wanted, but he isn’t here to give me the approval I spent so long chasing. Even knowing he would’ve been proud doesn’t make the victory feel good. All I can see is the hurt on Rachel’s face after the vote.

“What would happen if we didn’t build it?” I ask.

Daniel frowns. “Build what?”

“The hotel.”

He gives a short laugh, but it dies when I don’t join him. “You’re serious.”

“I’m asking a question.”

“We’d lose millions,” he says. “But the money wouldn’t be the worst of it. If you walk away now, your reputation is finished. The board will want you gone.”

“I’m not sure I care.”

Daniel just stares at me.

“I want us to look at other options. We could use the land for something else. You know, I’m not sure a hotel that large belongs on Hartwell Boulevard.”

“You can’t be serious. You spent weeks telling the council, the press, and everyone in this company that it was exactly what the street needed.”

“I know what I said.” The problem is, I’m no longer sure I believe it.

His eyes narrow. “This is about Rachel.”