When Adrian called me into his office, an invitation lay on his desk. The Whitmores were holding a charity gala the following week. As their prospective daughter-in-law, Vanessa had to attend.
"You'll handle the gala arrangements."
He pushed the invitation toward me.
"I'm saying no, Mr. Whitmore."
"This isn't a discussion."
"Then find someone else."
"Claire."
He stood and came around the desk.
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
"I'm trying to do my job."
"Don't dodge the question."
"I'm an executive assistant, Mr. Whitmore. I'm not part of the package when you marry Vanessa."
His grip tightened on the invitation.
"She needs you."
"She needs to use her head."
"Do you have to be such a jerk?"
"Do you have to keep expecting me to play her unpaid assistant, Mr. Whitmore?"
An
