"But a hundred thousand isn't enough. Add another fifty."
I nearly laughed out loud.
This woman drove a harder bargain than I did.
"Done."
I agreed without blinking.
Giles looked at her, then at me, and finally nodded. The expression on his face suggested he was making some tremendous sacrifice.
I rolled my eyes internally.
A hundred and fifty thousand for one day of your time, and you're acting like the victim?
Dad's birthday gala was held at the Gilbert Grand Hotel, as always.
The room was full of industry insiders, suppliers, and business partners. Giles and I blended into the crowd without drawing attention.
After making the rounds with the other guests, Dad came over to find me.
I made the introductions, keeping my tone professional.
"Mr. Gilbert, this is my boyfriend, Giles Weiss."
Dad clasped Giles's hand and looked him over.
"Sharp-looking young man. I hear you're in the music business?"
"Yes, I signed with Gilbert Media." Giles's voice carried a hint of deference. "One of your subsidiaries, actually."
Dad shot me a meaningful look.
The message was clear: You pulled strings for him?
I pretended not to notice.
Dad patted Giles on the shoulder. "It's good for a young man to have ambition."