Chapter 203
Chapter 203:
Franklin shuffled over and perched on the edge.
When Carmen came over to see if we needed coffee, Ashton waved her away. His attitude reassured me somewhat, but I still couldn’t figure out what he was up to.
Franklin cleared his throat. “I just wanted to see Mirabelle. We only just heard about the marriage. Your mother and I were completely in the dark. If we’d known, we’d have thrown a proper celebration. You didn’t have to keep it from us p>
“I didn’t keep it,” I shot back. “I told Caroline. She laughed in my face p>
He chuckled awkwardly and rubbed his palms together. “Well, your mother is… she’s stubborn. Never mind her. You should’ve come to me directly p>
I snorted. “I would’ve if I could find you p>
That shut him up for half a second. He opened his mouth, shut it again, and tried to look hurt. It didn’t work.
“I mean it, Mira. About what I said earlier. Let’s throw a wedding. A big one. Book a whole ballroom, send out invitations, the works. You deserve a big day. I feel terrible we missed it. So, how about it? Don’t worry, I’ll cover everything p>
I rolled my eyes. “Forget the wedding. You can make up for it with a present. Cash is fine. How much are you offering p>
His shoulders slumped. “I wish I could give you everything,” he mumbled. “But the company’s in bad shape. We’ve lost several contracts, cash flow’s tight. Honestly, I’m hanging on by a thread p>
“Is that why you tried to pimp me out to that creep Maxwell p>
“No! Of course not! You are my daughter. I’d never do anything to hurt you. It was supposed to be a business meeting. I didn’t know Caroline had tricked you into coming with that fake audio until the police questioned her. She went behind my back. I already gave her a talking-to and told her not to pull this kind of stunt again p>
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While he talked, he kept sneaking hopeful glances at Ashton. I was tempted to stand in front of Ashton to block his view but didn’t, because that felt too childish.
“…With the way the economy is, you know how bad things can get. But I heard LGH’s logistics branch has a few contracts up for grabs. Ashton, if you’d let me handle a couple, or maybe back one of our proposals… we could bounce back fast. Once we’re stable, I’ll shower you both with gifts. Whatever you want p>
I opened my mouth, ready to tear into him, but Ashton beat me to it.
“If it’s business, then we’ll discuss it in the study p>
Franklin lit up. “Of course. Yes, yes. Let’s go p>
I tugged at Ashton’s sleeve and hissed, “Don’t—you can’t hand him a single deal p>
He gave my hand a soft pat. “Relax. I know what I’m doing p>