Only her head moved as she shook it slightly from side to side.

“Dinner will be starting downstairs in about an hour. Have you eaten recently?”

Claire’s cheeks were flushed as she looked up. “No, I-I haven’t. I don’t want to go down there with you.” Her strength seemed to be returning. “I’m here for SiJo, for Amber and Simon.”

Harshness returned. “Then you’ll do as I say.”

Lowering her head once again to her lap, she obediently replied, “What do you want me to do?”

Tony closed his eyes. With his plans blowing up right and left, her response was exactly what he needed to hear. He touched her knee. “Claire, what the hell was that? Are you sick?”

She shook her head. “I’m not ill. I’m sick of this. Please, just tell me what you want me to do so that I can help my friends and go home.”

Tony clenched his jaw and exhaled. “I’m ordering you some food. After you feel better we’ll discuss your duties.”

Exceptional service was only one of the perks associated with the presidential suite. In no time at all, Claire had a plate of crackers, cheese, and fruit as well as a soda to calm her stomach. Tony waited. When she seemed steadier, he asked for her purse. The last thing he wanted was her calling for reinforcements. This night would be about the two of them. Thankfully, she didn’t protest. He immediately removed her iPhone, turned it off, and placed it in the breast pocket of his shirt. Next, he began searching each compartment and found only cosmetics and tissues.

Claire asked, “What are you looking for?”

“Your work phone.”

“It isn’t here; I left it in my condo.”

From what he could see, she was telling the truth. He glanced at his watch; still no word on Sophia, but he needed to get things moving. “As you may remember, while at a function such as this, your attention should be on me and your duties at hand. I believe tonight you’re representing SiJo Gaming. As well as representing it to the masses downstairs, your behavior will go a long way in solving their current situation, or,” he paused, “making it public.”

“I understand.”

“I’m glad you do. You’ll get your phone back when this evening is done. I believe you’ll have enough on your plate, and you don’t need another distraction.”

Tony then handed Claire the news release.

“What is this?”

“It’s a new release. My press secretary released it moments before you arrived to the penthouse.” Smiling, he added, “I just saw a text from Shelly; it’s already viral.”

He watched as Claire read. After she’d finished, she looked up at him; her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “W-why? Why are you doing this?”

Tony explained, “I’ve tried to express my feelings for you. I’ve even apologized for past behaviors and attempted to explain, yet you blatantly flaunt another man at a shared function.”

“I was not flaunting. We—you and I—are divorced. This…” she picked up the news release, “…is false. You didn’t secure my pardon. You had nothing to do with it.”

“And who’s going to refute my claim?” Tony replied confidently. “Governor Bosley? No, he’s dead. Jane Allyson? I think not.”

“Why, Tony? What have you done to Jane?”

He made no attempt to suppress his grin. “Again, so much credit, I should be honored.”

Claire stood and her words slowed. “Tell me what you’ve done.”

“While I may be able to assume some responsibility, it’s quite the opposite of what you suspect. Miss Allyson is currently enjoying the honor of an invitation to one of the most prestigious law firms in Des Moines.” His phone buzzed. Tony read the text from Eric.

“MS. BURKE AND MR. GEORGE ARE WITH ME IN THE SUITE.”

He sighed in relief. “Now, as informative as this conversation has been, we can continue it later. It’s almost 8:00 PM. As you know, this gala started an hour ago. You may remember—I do not like to be late.”

With Sophia securely out of the way, Tony took a step back and evaluated the woman before him. The food and drink had returned the color to her cheeks. His words may be misconstrued as condescending, but his tone bordered on sultry. “My, Claire, you do look lovely. I admit I doubted your financial ability to dress as would warrant my companion for the evening. There’s a complete ensemble in the master suite for you, but I like your choice.” Scanning her from head to toe, he stepped toward her and lifted the pearl of her grandmother’s necklace. Grinning in anticipation, he continued, “Yes, after you touch up your makeup, I believe we’ll be ready to attend our reunion gala.” Gently dropping the cream-colored pearl, he softly brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. Bogus empathy dripped from his words. “Don’t look so strained, my dear, this is a happy occasion. You wanted our dinner public, so your wish is my command. Besides, you came here to represent SiJo Gaming. I promise this will bring that small company more publicity and positive public relations than would have originally happened.” Reaching for her small hand, he assured her. “This is a win win.”

Her lips pressed together as Tony basked in the fire burning before him. He could gaze upon it for hours, but they had a gala to attend. With her neck straight, Claire asked, “Where can I get ready?”

“The master suite is upstairs. Let me show you the way.” Tony wasn’t sure of the exact cause. Perhaps it was that Eric had Sophia secured away from the festivities, or maybe it was Claire’s appropriate behavior; whatever the cause, his night, as well as his demeanor, was improving.