Then he looked at Vanessa.
“You’re welcome to join us. I’d rather understand what happened than leave everyone guessing.”
Vanessa glanced at Brandon.
He no longer looked like the confident businessman who’d handed a valet the keys to a gleaming sports car an hour earlier.
He looked frightened.
And she couldn’t understand why.
Until Daniel said something that explained it.
“Brandon, I believe you’re presenting a proposal to our integration committee on Monday.”
Brandon swallowed.
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ve read the preliminary version.”
His face brightened slightly.
“Excellent. I hope you found it promising.”
“Parts of it.”
Daniel paused.
“I’m especially interested in how you intend to build relationships with people who don’t already belong to your professional network.”
Graham looked toward Vanessa.
Brandon’s expression went pale.
Because that was exactly what his presentation was supposed to demonstrate.
And his girlfriend had just threatened to throw a stranger out of the room for not looking wealthy enough.
Graham’s study was at the quieter end of the mansion.
Tall bookshelves covered two walls. A large painting hung above the fireplace, and the windows overlooked gardens illuminated by small lanterns.
Brandon followed Daniel inside.
Vanessa came behind him.
She’d imagined walking through rooms like this for years.
Now she barely noticed the furnishings.
Graham closed the door.
“Before we discuss anything else,” he said, “I want to know whether one of my guests was threatened with removal from my home.”
Vanessa gripped her handbag.
“I never actually called security.”
