Everyone in that room knew who he was. His face had been on the cover of Forbes, Time, Business Weekly.
He’d given TED talks. He’d met with presidents. And he looked absolutely furious. The crowd parted like the Red Sea as he walked through.
People were stammering, trying to greet him, but he ignored them all. His eyes were locked on one thing. “Me.
” “Oh my god,” someone whispered. “That’s William Harrison, the billionaire. What’s he doing here?”
My father reached me and his expression softened instantly. He gently removed his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders, covering my torn dress.
Are you all right, sweetheart?” he asked quietly. I couldn’t speak.
I just shook my head, tears streaming down my face. “Dad,” I whispered.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” “You have absolutely nothing to apologize for,” he said firmly. Then he turned to face Clarissa. The color had drained from her face.
She looked like she might faint. you,” my father said, his voice cold as ice, slapped my daughter. The room erupted in whispers.
Phones were everywhere now. The live stream count hit 500,000 viewers.
“Your your daughter?” Clarissa stammered. “I I didn’t, Mr. Harrison. I had no idea. You had no idea.” My father’s voice was quiet, but it commanded the entire room.