Chapter 52. Slipping into Her Pants

Hermes POV

“Grande,” Mr. Greene, one of Apex’s senior board members, and the cunniest of them, sets his glass down on my table. “Quite the gala you’ve put together tonight.”

I force a smile. “It’s Apex’s gala, Mr. Greene. I just signed the checks.”

He chuckles dryly, swirling his wine. “Still, you’ve managed to silence a few doubters. At least about the aftereffect of our... small problem., but you know it takes more than chandeliers and Bordeaux to earn trust.”

“Trust isn’t built in a night. But reputation can be destroyed in one - and I won’t let that happen again.” I sip my glass, though I’ve no intention of drinking.

His eyes narrow. “Again? You should know Lucien’s shadow still lingers over this company. Some of us are still... unconvinced you can lead Apex without it swallowing you whole.”

My fist curls tight at my side. Fucking bastard. He says my father’s name without a shred of respect.

“With respect, Mr. Greene,” I say, voic