For half an hour her father talked, fondly recounting memories, thanking his staff and his family. She smiled faintly when he singled her out and gave her an indulgent, fatherly smile. Then he went on to say that he was stepping down and that Devon would be succeeding him.
There were surprised murmurs from some. Nods from others who obviously suspected such a thing. A few raised eyebrows but most notably, she noticed that people’s gazes found her. There were knowing smiles. A few whispers. Nods in her direction.
Her facade was starting to crack. Her smile was beginning to falter. It was as if the world had put two and two together and said, “Aha! Now we get it.”
She just wished she did. She stared around, looking for a possible escape path, but she was surrounded by people. All looking at her. Or between her and Devon. Those damn knowing smiles. The smirks of a few women.
It was the worst night of her entire life. Worse than even her wedding night.
Devon found himself surrounded by a throng of people offering their congratulations. He had only taken one step away from William before everyone had descended. Family members. Staff members. Some offering sincere congratulations. Some clearly wary and uncertain. But that was to be expected. Any time change was announced, fear took hold. It was too early to be offering anyone reassurances. Who knew what would happen over the course of the next few months when a changing of the guard would take place and Devon would be at the helm of what would now be the world’s most exclusive line of resorts and luxury hotels.
Tonight, though, Devon was celebrating his own victory of sorts. He’d cornered William before the party had begun and told him that Copeland was going to sponsor Ashley’s animal shelter.
William had been opposed until Devon threatened to refuse to take William’s place in the company. Devon wanted full sponsorship with a yearly budget allocated to the shelter. He was determined that Ashley wouldn’t shed another damn tear over her beloved animals.
His father-in-law grumbled and told Devon he was a besotted fool, but he’d given in, telling Devon he’d just do as he damn well wanted when he took over anyway. Which was absolutely true, but they didn’t have that much time and he needed William’s cooperation to fund the shelter now so it wouldn’t have to close.
Now he just needed the right opportunity to tell Ashley the good news. Tonight in bed after the party seemed perfect. Then he’d make love to her until they were both insensible.
He was yanked from his thoughts when he saw Cam pushing his way through the crowd. He grinned when Cam got to him and he slapped his friend on the back. “Well, we did it. Everything. Copeland. The new resort. Oh, ye of little faith.”
Cam ignored Devon’s ribbing. His expression was grim and his gaze was focused over Devon’s shoulder across the room. “What the hell have you done to her, Dev?”
Devon reared his head back. “Excuse me?” He turned, looking for the source of Cam’s attention, but all he saw was Ashley, standing where he’d left her so she wouldn’t be swallowed up by the crowd.
Cam shook his head then turned his gaze on Devon. “You don’t even see it, do you?”
Devon’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Cam made a sound of disgust. “Look at her, Dev.”
Again, Devon followed Cam’s gaze to Ashley. He studied her a long moment.
“Really look at her, Dev. Take a long, hard look.”