Chapter 36

Harold Devins found himself back at his mansion with Megan and her mother Joyce. The three of them sat in uncomfortable silence in the dimly lit living room. They hadn't spoken a word to each other since leaving the gala an hour earlier, but they all agreed on one thing: it had been the worst evening in their entire lives. Megan wept quietly in her seat, hoping to attract her father's pity. She'd announced earlier that she would leave the Devins mansion, but she had no real intention of following through. She hoped her father would feel bad and insist she stay anyway. Harold, however, was more concerned about his ruined reputation. The thought that his own daughter had planned this public humiliation made him physically ill. How was he supposed to face his colleagues, partners, and employees after this night? He was certain the newspapers would have him on the front page by morning, all too eager to tarnish the name of a famous businessman. No one would want to be associated with his n