She stopped.
Daniel waited.
Finally, Vanessa whispered, “I’m terribly sorry.”
He nodded.
“Thank you.”
She exhaled, apparently believing the matter had ended.
Then he asked one question.
“Would you have apologized if Graham hadn’t told you my name?”
Vanessa opened her mouth.
Nothing came out.
And at that exact moment, Brandon Mitchell appeared beside her.
Brandon had been searching for Vanessa for nearly ten minutes.
He’d been speaking with a venture capital partner near the terrace when a colleague mentioned that his girlfriend was having an argument with someone in the ballroom.
At first, he assumed it was a disagreement about seating.
Then he saw Graham Ellison standing beside a man in a plain black shirt.
Brandon recognized Daniel Carter immediately.
He’d studied Daniel’s career.
He’d watched interviews about Northbridge’s acquisitions.
And he’d spent the past three weeks preparing a proposal he hoped would persuade Daniel to appoint him to a newly created executive position.
His stomach tightened.
“Mr. Carter,” Brandon said, extending his hand. “Brandon Mitchell. It’s an honor.”
Daniel shook it.
“Brandon. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
Brandon smiled with visible relief.
“Likewise. I’ve followed Northbridge for years.”
Graham turned toward him.
“Brandon, I believe your guest has had an interesting conversation with Daniel.”
Brandon glanced at Vanessa.
Her expression was pleading.
“What happened?”
