Over the Edge (Bridge #3)(38)

“Frank, I’d like to introduce you to my son, Will Donovan. Will, this is Frank Bridge.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Bill, we definitely need to talk, but I’d like a word with your son.”

My father looked between us, confusion written on his features.

I cleared my throat. “Why don’t we get some fresh air on the terrace? Can I get you anything to drink? Coffee? Scotch?”

“I’m good,” he said.

I nodded and gestured toward the outdoor space that would give us privacy. I glanced back at my father and shook my head imperceptibly, communicating without words. He held his place inside. This was on me now.

Outside, New York City sprawled.

Frank scanned the cityscape on the horizon before looking back at me. “My wife tells me you’re involved with Olivia now.”

“To be fair, I’ve been involved with Cameron and Darren for months.”

“You’ll have to excuse me, Will, but your investment in their small business doesn’t concern me as much as your personal interest in my only daughter.”

“I understand.”

His smile was tight. “Then you’ll also understand why I don’t want her anywhere near you or the trouble surrounding your father and his associates.”

“Let’s talk about that for a minute. Dad just informed me that you were an investor.”

“I am. It was a delicate situation, and it seemed worth it at the time. Obviously circumstances have changed for Reilly since his pitch. But being involved with him after what he pulled with the charity looks bad for me. I have my own investors and reputation to consider.”

Our business reeked of trouble, and it would get worse before it got better. I could pretend it wouldn’t and hope for better results, or I could be up front with him. Frank Bridge wasn’t the only investor I had to convince of giving us a second chance.

“My father is being indicted along with the others.”

He stilled. “You’re certain.”

“The lawyer just called this morning. It’ll be public by the five o’clock news.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“I’m telling you because I want you to know that I think what my father and his associates did was deplorable. I’ve managed to stay pretty far away from his affairs, but I never imagined any one of his ventures would come to this. That said, I believe the fund is clean. You know as well as I do that it’s been successful, even in this short time. I’d like to see it have a fighting chance.”

He laughed and turned to face the city. “Let me guess. You’re going to try to talk me into keeping my money with Reilly Donovan Capital and convince me that you’re worthy of my daughter.”

“I’m going to take over the fund.” The words slammed down on me as I said them aloud. Was I really going through with this? God, my father owed me everything for doing this…

He glanced at me sidelong. “That’s risky business.”

“Obviously we need fresh leadership. Let me prove that we can be a fund you trust before you make a decision.”

“How about you keep my million, and you walk away from Olivia. If you care for her, you’ll understand why that’s the best thing.”

The prospect of leaving Olivia was gut-wrenching. I wouldn’t walk away, not unless she wanted me to. Even then, I’m not sure I could bring myself to let her go.

I was falling in love with the woman, and no amount of money was worth giving her up. Maybe I was too cocky for my own good, but I wasn’t going to let someone push me out of the way, either. She was worth fighting for, and I had every intention of doing that. It wouldn’t save the reputation of this venture, but businesses could be rebuilt. I’d never find someone like her again.

“You’re her father. She loves you, and I know she respects you. But she’s a grown woman, and she’s going to do whatever she wants to do. I can’t stop her any more than you can.”

“When you’re one half of the equation, you can. Just walk away. People do it every day.”

“I’m not going to walk away from her. Not for a million dollars, not for ten.”

He narrowed his eyes and moved his lips to speak, but I cut him off.

“Before you threaten me, think about this for a minute. I’m in love with her, and even the promise of certain ruin wouldn’t get me to back down right now. So let’s say, for argument’s sake, that there’s nothing you can do about Olivia and me. If you’re really worried about her being associated with me, help me spin this the right way. I don’t want this job, but I’m taking it because I believe the fund has a future. I don’t want to see this fail, and if you stand with me, it won’t.”

“You want me to vouch for you so you don’t lose investors.”

“Yes.”

Bridge had been a major player back in the day. He’d gone into private investing over a decade ago, but his connections ran deep. Having him on my side wouldn’t fix everything, but it would be a step in the right direction of repairing this goddamn mess.

He shook his head. “It’s not a bad plan, but it’s not enough. When this hits the news, your investors are going to walk. No doubt about it.”