"The hotel security cameras were down for maintenance?"
"How convenient."
I let out a cold laugh.
Lambert shrugged again. "You said it, not me."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
A long moment passed.
Then I asked, "I'm the one who got framed. Why do you care more than I do?"
"That's exactly the point!"
Lambert tapped a finger lightly against the table.
"Your own family turns you in."
"And your worst rival is the one who cares."
"You still don't get what I'm saying?"
I shook my head. "No."
"Kathy, yes, you do."
"Forget who we're supposed to be to each other."
"The truth is, I admire you. A lot."
"Simmons Enterprises was about to go bankrupt."
"And you dragged it back to life single-handedly."
"I really can't wrap my head around it."
"Your parents have a genius daughter right there in front of them."
"And they'd rather push that useless son up the ladder instead."
"Their heads must be full of water!"
Every word he said landed right where it hurt.
But I wasn't about to admit it.
"My family's business is none of yours."
I said it evenly.
"You're right, it isn't."
"But I can't stand to watch your talent go to waste."
"A woman like you."
"You belong under the spotlight, with everyone's eyes on you."
"Not being set up and framed."
He paused.
Then, right there, he had his secretary bring in a document.
"Take a look at this."
I opened it and skimmed a few lines.
He watched the shock creep across my face.
And he smiled.
"If you're not happy with the terms, there's room to talk."
I set the document down, my brows drawing together. "You want me to join Dream Harmony?"
"Yes."
"Not a chance!"
I pushed the document back at him. "Simmons and Dream Harmony are archrivals. We're in direct competition. How could I ever join Dream Harmony?"
"Don't be so quick to turn me down. Look at this first."
Lambert pulled out his phone and played a video for me.
In it, my father was holding a press conference.
First he formally announced that Connor was now the general manager of Simmons Enterprises.
Then he announced that every position I held in the company had been stripped from me.
"You see that? Simmons doesn't want you anymore."
"So what exactly are you still holding on for?"
Even then, I clung to a sliver of hope.
"They've just misunderstood me."
"Once I go back and tell them the recording is fake."
"They'll give me my positions back."
Lambert let out a sudden sigh.
"Looks like you won't give up until you hit rock bottom."
"Fine."
"I won't force you. But I'll wait."
"You're welcome to call and bother me anytime."
Lambert left.
And I walked out of the police station without any trouble.
