CHAPTER 3 — THE NAME THEY NEVER ASKED
CHAPTER 3 — THE NAME THEY NEVER ASKED
Ten minutes later, headlights illuminated the front entrance.
A convoy of black cars stopped outside the estate.
The ballroom doors opened.
A distinguished gray-haired man entered with several attorneys and financial advisers.
Every executive in the room recognized him immediately.
Gabriel Ashford.
Founder of Ashford Holdings.
One of the principal investors behind several of Daniel's largest commercial projects.
Daniel stared in disbelief.
"Mr. Ashford..."
Gabriel didn't acknowledge him.
He walked directly to Emily.
"My daughter."
Emily embraced him briefly.
"I'm sorry."
Gabriel gently touched the bruise forming on her cheek.
"You have nothing to apologize for."
Only then did he turn toward Daniel.
"I offered your company a merger because my daughter believed you were an honorable man."
His expression hardened.
"That offer no longer exists."
An attorney stepped forward.
May you like
"All pending financing discussions are terminated effective immediately."
The ballroom erupted in stunned whispers.
