“Do you belong here?”
“Yes. I was invited.”
“Exactly.”
Brandon stared at him.
Daniel continued.
“You didn’t need the sports car. You didn’t need a designer watch. You were invited because you work for Everline and have contributed to the business.”
Brandon gave an uncomfortable laugh.
“You noticed the car?”
“Graham mentioned someone had parked a rather dramatic vehicle near the fountain.”
Brandon winced.
“It’s rented.”
“I assumed it might be.”
“My own car is a six-year-old sedan.”
“Does it run?”
“Yes.”
“Then I hope you didn’t spend too much on the rental.”
Brandon laughed weakly.
He hadn’t expected the conversation to go this way.
Daniel stood.
“Here’s what I’d like. Revise your proposal. Credit the people who did the research. Reassess the vendor recommendations using measurable performance rather than appearances.”
Brandon stood too.
“Absolutely.”
“And one more thing.”
“Yes?”
“Before you leave tonight, you need to decide whether you’ll correct the impression Vanessa gave people about your role here.”
Brandon swallowed.
Daniel held his gaze.
“Don’t do it for me. I already know your position.”
Then he opened the study door.
Vanessa was waiting in the sitting room, staring at her phone.
