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Nathan’s voice was low. “Choose your next words carefully.”
Ray raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m only saying what folks already know.”
Margaret stepped forward, trembling with vindication. “Nathan, do you see? Do you see what you have brought into this house?”
Nathan finally turned to her.
“Mother, be silent.”
The room froze.
Margaret looked as though he had slapped her.
Ray’s smile twitched.
“Well,” he said, “rich boy has manners after all.”
Nathan faced him again. “What do you want?”
Ray’s expression changed. The performance fell away, and something colder appeared beneath it.
“Money.”
Emily closed her eyes.
“There it is,” Nathan said.
Ray shrugged. “You married into responsibility. Those children cost money. Keeping stories quiet costs money. I figure a man like you can afford peace.”
“And if I don’t pay?”
Ray looked at Emily.
“Then I go to the newspapers. CEO marries maid with three bastard children. Add a few pictures. Add a few interviews. People love filth when it comes wrapped in money.”
Nathan’s face remained calm.
Emily knew that calm. She had seen it in board meetings when Nathan was about to destroy a rival company without raising his voice.
“How much?” Nathan asked.
Emily whipped her head toward him. “No.”
Ray smiled greedily. “Smart man.”
Nathan lifted a hand slightly, silencing the guard who had stepped forward.
“How much?” he repeated.
“One million dollars.”
Margaret gasped. “Nathan!”
Ray’s eyes glittered. “Cash. Tomorrow. Then I disappear.”
Nathan looked thoughtful.
Then he said, “No.”
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