Lake (Trinity Academy 3)

“The Chairman asks what is stopping him from offering his daughter to Mr. Chargill.”

I feel Mason’s anger to my left, and glancing at him, I smile. “I’ve got this.”

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I glance at Mr. Reyes first, and when he nods, my eyes go to Mr. Chargill. The corner of his mouth pulls up, and lastly, I look at my father.

“Speak your mind, son. I back whatever decision you make.”

I lock gazes with Mr. Park. “CRC Holding does not belong to one man. It belongs to three families. Out of the four sons, I am your only option.”

“What the Chairman needs to realize,” Mr. Reyes says, “is that the men in our families run CRC Holdings and have done so successfully for two generations. Our wives do not have a say in the business.”

I button my jacket, and I feel Falcon move the chair from where it’s right behind me. “Mr. Park.” I wait for him to look at me. “CRC Holdings will not be intimidated. Our foundation isn’t built on fear, it’s built on loyalty. Consider this before you insult me again. I might be the quiet one, but that doesn’t make me the weakest.”

I step back and bow to the man. Rising up, I turn to Lee. “It was nice meeting you and getting to talk to you, Park Lee-ann. If we don’t meet again, I wish you a happy life.”

She slowly rises to her feet as I begin to walk away and I only take another four steps with Mason and Falcon flanking me, when Mr. Park calls out. “Stop.”

I only turn slightly and glance back at him.

He begins to laugh, then says in fucking perfect English, “I wanted to make sure I was investing in the right company. We can sign the contract.”

Not answering Mr. Park, I turn my gaze to Mr. Reyes. “Let me know the outcome please.”

“Will do. Go get some rest.”

My eyes go to Lee, and for the first time, she’s looking at me as if she actually sees me. She bows low, and I know it’s a sign of great respect. When she straightens up, I lock eyes with her and smile before I turn and leave the dining area.Chapter 3LakeWhen the valet brings our car, Falcon opens the door for me.

“Thanks,” I murmur. I first shrug off my jacket and lay it over the back headrest. Loosening the damn tie, I throw it inside, then unbutton the top two buttons of the dress shirt. When I take off the cufflinks, Falcon holds out his hand to take them, then drops them in his suit pocket.

I unbutton my right cuff and roll the sleeve up to beneath my elbow. While I’m doing the same with the left side and glancing up at Falcon, then at Mason, I say, “Well, that was fun.”

Falcon's eyes rest intensely on me. “I don’t like this one bit.”

“Let’s just call it off. I can find another investor,” Mason offers.

“Mr. Cutler!”

Out of habit, my head darts in the direction of my name being called, and a wave of dizziness almost drags my ass down to the ground.

“Fuck, Lake!” Falcon snaps, and grabbing hold of my arm when I stumble back, he growls, “Sit your ass down before I have to pick you up off the damn ground.”

I lean back against the side of the car, taking deep breaths while the dizzy feeling subsides.

“I’m sorry,” Lee apologizes when I look up. She bows again then says, “That was thoughtless of me. Are you okay?”

“Just whiplash,” I explain. “Did you need something?”

My lips part and a what-the-fuck expression settles on my face when she drops to her knees right outside the main entrance to the country club.

“I apologize for my father offending you.”

“Please get up,” I whisper while it feels like my heart is shrinking.

When she doesn’t move, I straighten out and walk forward. Taking hold of her arm, I pull her up.

“Look at me,” I say, and I have to take deep breaths to keep calm.

This is her culture.

Fuck, I hate her culture.

Slowly she tilts her head up until our eyes lock.

“Don’t ever kneel in front of me again. I understand it’s your culture, and I’ll do my best to meet you halfway, but I won’t stand for you kneeling.”

She nods, and I can see she wants to say something.

I tilt my head to keep hold of her eyes. “Say what you’re thinking.”

“I didn’t mean it as a sign of disrespect, Mr. Cutler,” she whispers.

“I know.” I lift my hand from her arm, resting it on the side of her jaw. “It’s one of the biggest differences between us. To you, it’s showing respect. To me, it’s a sign of weakness. I don’t want you to change who you are, just don’t kneel to me.” I begin to pull my hand away, then add, “Oh, and please call me Lake.”