Free What a Woman Gets by Judi Fennell Page B

he’ll work at Davenport Properties. It’s all planned.”
    â€œReally? By whom? Because I certainly wasn’t consulted in this plan.”
    â€œYou’ll do as I see fit, just as you’ve always done if you want to continue with the benefits of being my daughter.”
    â€œWell maybe I don’t want to.” She shocked even herself when she said that, but the look on Dad’s face was priceless.
    Too bad she couldn’t sell it. Especially when he uttered his next statement.
    â€œThat’s up to you. And it’s a decision that needs to be made in the next thirty seconds.”
    He tugged back his jacket sleeve and stared at the Rolex that was the model for Burton’s. “Twenty-eight, twenty-seven.”
    â€œYour intimidation tactics aren’t going to work this time, Dad.”
    He arched an eyebrow. “This isn’t a tactic, Cassidy. You either play by my rules or you don’t play at all. And that includes all the trappings that go with being my daughter.”
    â€œDad, this is ridiculous. We aren’t living in the Dark Ages. I can choose who I want to marry.”
    He looked back at his watch. “Fifteen, fourteen.”
    He wasn’t serious. He wasn’t going to disown her just because she didn’t want to marry Burton. He was just used to getting his own way. Plus, he needed her too much. It was a power play. Well, she’d been his daughter for twenty-nine years; she wasn’t intimidated.
    â€œNine, eight.” He didn’t even look up at her. “Seven, six.”
    She crossed her arms. “I’m not giving in, Dad.”
    â€œFour, three, two, one.” He tugged his sleeve down over his Rolex. “I expect you out of here in the next fifteen minutes. You will, of course, leave everything my money has purchased. Except the dog and what you’re wearing. I can’t turn my daughter out naked on the streets.”
    â€œBut you’ll turn her out onto the streets just the same?” He was trying to scare her into doing what he wanted.
    â€œExactly. That’s what you get when you think you know better. Prove it.” He tucked his hands into his pockets. “Aren’t you going to get moving, Cassidy? I’m sure it will take you at least five minutes to pack the dog’s things. Your things, however, won’t take as long since I have paid for everything in this penthouse. Since I’m not without a heart, however, I will permit you to take your toiletries. But be quick about it. I now have to go to my real estate broker to put this place up for sale.”
    â€œSale?” Geez, he was really pulling out all the stops.
    â€œOf course. I can’t have an empty property sitting around costing me money. It’ll help the other units sell.” He pulled out his cell phone. “Hurry up, Cassidy. I don’t have all day. Let’s make this quick and devoid of unnecessary emotion, shall we?”
    â€œDad, I’m not going anywhere.”
    â€œPerhaps I haven’t made myself clear.” He punched a button on his phone. “Deborah, I want a locksmith at the Davenport Towers penthouse. Yes, Cassidy’s apartment. No, there’s nothing wrong, it’s just that Cassidy has decided she isn’t going to be living here any longer. And call Shel once you’ve arranged for the locksmith. I want him out here with his photographer right away to get pictures of the place. The maid’s here and should be finished within the hour. This place will be in perfect shape for the listing photos.”
    Cassidy glanced at the phone. Holy shit. He really was talking to Deborah.
    Oh my God. He
meant
it.
    He was kicking her out.
    No, that wasn’t right. He wouldn’t just toss his own flesh and blood out on her ass.
    Though he
had
tossed Mom out if Deborah’s recounting could be believed and Cassidy had no reason to think it couldn’t. A few years ago, after