Page 158 of Lessons In Grey
“She does what she pleases,” I said with a proud smile.
“Two years ago, it wasn’t Harold you people were cheering on, it was my mom. Aliah Glass stood on those stairs telling you all of these amazing charities that were making a difference. She talked about Christmas cheer and everything that comes with it, and I knew you were all shallow, but it’s as if the last meaningful part of you disappeared when she died.
“We are not here to comparechecks, we are here to make a difference, and what did any of you donate too? No, I’ll answer that,” she said, slowing to a stop. “You donated your money to multimillion dollar corporations rather than actual charities that need it. Computer companies, horse races so they could build better tracks, casinos. Those aren’t charities. You’re encouraging bad habits.
“In this very city there are people who could use your money, but they are beneath you so you can’t even give them the time of day. I settled on a charity to donate to tonight, one that gives foster kids another chance, but it wasn’t the only thing I’ve been donating too.”
I straightened, my brows furrowing.
“I gave money to hundreds of shelters around the city. I provided the schools in the poorer neighborhoods with sheds filled with extra clothes, school supplies, coats, to small business that have been struggling in this horrible economy, and I’m not telling you this to give myself a spotlight, I’m telling you this to give you an idea. Tonight is supposed to be about selflessness.About giving to theless fortunate, not this. Not bragging rights, not comparisons.”
Her phone must have gone off again because she lowered the microphone and reached for it, allowing the people to start mumbling among themselves again.
She studied her screen for a moment before her eyes lifted to mine, shock within them.
I rose a brow.
She searched my eyes for a moment before turning back to her phone, typing out a quick word and locking it.
Emily lifted the microphone back to her mouth. “And one last thing before I go,” she said, pulling everyone’s attention back to her. “Harold Glass no longer runs this city.”
Glances were exchanged, the crowd parting as the spotlight shifted from her to her father, his face slowly turning red. “What are you talking about?” he demanded, clearly hating the attention.
“My brother found a loophole,” Emily said, pulling my eyes back to hers.
Brother?
She called Jack her brother.
“The company is mine and I just sold it to the most powerful man in the world.”
My lips parted in absolute shock.
“What the fuck?” Ash breathed out.
Emily turned to the crowd and smiled. “You all better figure your shit out because whatever power you thought you had, it’s gone.”
“Is she talking about your dad?” Syn asked, looking over.
I was buzzing with pride and disbelief. Buzzing with the need to fuck her until she could feel just how proud of her I was.
Malachi owned the Glass company now. Whatever happened from here on forward, it would be good.
Emily shut off the microphone and headedfor the beverage table.
I took a step after her, only to be stopped by Harold himself.
With a dry expression, I glanced towards Ash and Syn. “Go, I’ll be along.”
“You’ve made her uncontrollable,” Harold spat as he joined me. “I gave you my blessing when Diamond hired you, and you made a mockery of it by dating my daughter and turning her into a monster.”
I smiled coldly. “She’s not a monster, she just learned how to stand up to you.”
“I’m her father.”
I shrugged. “You should have acted like one. Don’t worry, Harold, I’m sure the contract was liable to pay you a hefty sum for all those years of hard work. I’m sure you’ll be well-off, as for your daughter? She’ll never want for anything again. Not your attention or your love. Too little too late.” I turned away, finding Emily at the table, Ash offering her a drink, people swarming her, probably asking far too many questions.
“I’m not done talking to you,Professor.”