included.” Before I even say thank you, he whispers again, “By the way, if you want to see Chase in action, now’s your chance.”
Robert gets up first, looking out on the crowd as waiters quickly bring around appetizers. Scott told me tonight’s meal will be served in between each of the presentations, giving people time to discuss each one at length over the next course. “Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, thank you for coming to Danger Enterprises's gala, A Night for the Future.”
“What a load,” Scott murmurs as Robert goes on for about ten minutes. I see what he means. According to Robert, everything tonight is about showing Bane what could happen in the next twenty years and getting the city excited . . . oh, and all of it, of course, is due to Danger Enterprises, and more specifically, him.
“We’re going to build the greatest city of the twenty-first century. The greatest,” Robert continues, smiling broadly. “When our children and grandchildren look back on this evening, they’re going to say that this was the night Bane made the leap from a growing potential to absolute greatness.” He pauses for the expected round of applause, basking in the worship from the audience, but I can see little signs that not everyone is as zealous as Robert would like to think. There are sighs here and subtle eye rolls there. It seems Scott may not be the only one with an issue with Robert Danger.
“With that, let me introduce my son Chase, a great visionary with a business plan I think you’ll find exciting. He’ll be outlining the first of the potential projects that we could bring to this great, great city’s future.”
“Thank you, Father,” Chase says, and even I have to do a double-take. Gone is the sniping asshole who sneered at me, and instead, standing up in the spotlight, is a suave, commanding man with an electric presence. “I’d like to talk to you about opportunity this evening, about a future brighter than we’ve ever dreamed possible. But one that we can make a reality by working together, Danger Enterprises and Lightspeed, changing our city, our state, our country . . .”
Chase’s words are hypnotizing, and even I’m buying into what he’s saying as he uses his video screens to maximum effect. “He’s good,” I tell Scott as Chase continues, “but you’re still going to kick his ass.”
Scott chuckles, but I can see his fist clench around his napkin as Chase finishes up.
Robert retakes the podium, clapping his son on the back in a fatherly embrace, the approval apparent to everyone in the room. “An amazing vision for the future,” Robert says as Chase sits down, and I see him shake hands around his table, celebrating his win already.
“Folks, while the staff clears the plates and brings out the main course, I’d like to tell you about one of the current projects Danger Enterprises is doing to create the foundation for the future. This great project, with some of the best people in the world, all of whom work for me, of course, is going . . .” The audience laughs at his joke and Robert drones on.
When he finally sits, our table is abuzz with talk about Chase’s plan. While the general consensus is positive, I look to Scott for the catch. “So, I’m no business genius, but that sounded good. I’m on your side, obviously but . . .”
Scott smiles at me. “No, you’re right. And honestly, it’s something we should do. But my plan is better, pure and simple.”
I smile before planting a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Good enough for me, Mr. Danger. You ready?”
Scott nods and stands as his father finishes a much less glowing introduction of Scott and his proposal. He buttons his jacket, squaring his shoulders, and I see a transformation in him too. Gone is the man who’s let me see inside his life, behind his mask. Now he is Scott Danger, the future of Danger Enterprises . . . and I’m glad to get to see this side of him too.
“Kick some ass, baby,” I whisper as he walks away.
By the time he takes the microphone, my heart’s hammering, but it’s all in support of him.
Chapter 20
Madison
Scott looks out at the crowd, and I can feel the tension building in the room. He’s just waiting, standing at the podium, commanding attention by simply being there. It’s like he’s waiting for a specific moment or some kind of