"He can't be friends with someone who's seen as an enemy by his boss, to whom he's pledged allegiance," I explained bluntly.
James's confused gaze shifted to me, his brows furrowing in disbelief. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. "I thought Dave was your business associate and friend?"
"If you had bothered to do your homework on me instead of being solely focused on money, you would have known," Dave interjected sharply. "It's common knowledge in the business world that I work for Damien Blackheart. Everyone knows except you."
James rose to his feet. "I don't understand," he exclaimed, his voice dripping with frustration. "Why did you lie to me? Why did you deceive me about your relationship with Mr. Blackheart? Why did you pretend to be my friend, on
