the kind of thing you would want the world to know about you. It wasn't even something he was especially proud of, but it was something he couldn't get rid of, something that continued to drive him.
But that wasn't the only reason to pull off this merger. He needed this one major triumph to position his company securely in the upper ranks. He especially had to make it work if he was going to assume a less conspicuous role in the company, a company that up until now had prospered primarily because of his personal reputation.
And he was endangering all of this by staying in Charlotte. But he risked losing Cynthia if he went back to Geneva.
Before Kathryn broke in on his meeting, he'd never thought that could be possible. He was certain the tie between him and his daughter was strong and unbreakable because it was strong and unbreakable for him. No matter how few hours he spent with Cynthia, she'd never been far from his thoughts. She was the center of his world. Everything he did was for her. No matter what happened in their lives, he'd assumed each held first place in the other's heart, that nothing could threaten - much less sever - their tie.
But he'd been wrong. All that he had worked so hard to achieve seemed to come his way easily. All the things he'd taken for granted seemed about to slip away. He was faced with the decision of risking something he understood and wanted - his career - for something he didn't understand yet found essential - the love and understanding of his daughter.
But he couldn't give up one for the other. He understood enough to know he had to have them both. He didn't know how he was going to manage that, but maybe Kathryn could help him figure it out.
That was still another problem. He was beginning to feel he wanted Kathryn, too. He didn't see how he could have all three. But it seemed like all three were essential for his happiness. He was beginning to realize he'd never really been happy before. He'd been so busy chasing success, he'd forgotten to pay attention to himself.
Just weeks ago he'd been certain his life was on track, about to achieve the success he'd worked toward since he was ten. Now he was in danger of losing everything at once. How could he have been so blind?
The important question was, what was he going to do about it? He didn't know, but he had a strong feeling he would have to depend on Kathryn to help him find the answers.
He decided she was the best part of being in the worst mess of his life.
Kathryn backed away from the door. She doubted Ron was saying anything he wouldn't want her to hear, but she didn't want him to think she was eavesdropping. Besides, she didn't want to know what he was saying. Just the thought of a business conversation reminded her of the times her father was too busy to be involved with his own family. And remembering that always made her angry. He thought his family should behave with the same logic as his business. When they didn't, he didn't attempt to understand them. Kathryn had tried to be a dutiful, obedient daughter, but Elizabeth had been spoiled. She was beautiful from the moment she was born, vivacious, able to charm anything in pants. She became adroit at using the attention and indulgence of her mother and older siblings to protect her from her father's strictures. When the break came over her pregnancy, their father had put his foot down. Much to Kathryn's astonishment, her mother had supported him.
Kathryn had taken her sister's side, and the argument ballooned out of control, everyone saying things they later regretted.
Now here was Ron, unable to go even a few hours without calling Geneva. He had a pregnant daughter who was estranged from him, a retreat full of angry parents, and he still couldn't keep his mind off his work. She guessed she shouldn't have expected anything different. People all over the world sought his help and advice. It was hard for a daughter to compete. A thirty-year-old woman who ran a shelter for unwed mothers didn't stand a chance.
As soon as that thought ran through her mind, Kathryn knew she was in danger of becoming enamored of a man who represented everything she abhorred. Over the past two weeks he'd spent nearly every