That last sentence hit me like a blade between the ribs. I knew what he meant.
Just then, Summer's name lit up on my phone. I glanced at my husband.
He turned his face away, but I knew. Somewhere beneath the anger, he was still hoping.
"Hello? Summer, are you at the hospital? Your father just woke up, he—"
She cut me off before I could finish.
"Enough, Mom. You two can drop the act."
"I already told you. Unless you transfer the shares to me and Desmond, don't even think about me deleting that video."
"It's already past ten million views, by the way. Your call."
The small smile that had started to form on my lips dissolved.
"Also, why has Dad's phone been off? Desmond needs his expenses reimbursed and the finance department says they can't sign off without Dad's approval."
"Tell him to call them and sort it out."
She hung up.
I held the phone in my hand, staring at the screen. Nothing left in my eyes but a hollow, bottomless disappointment.
My husband watched me sit in silence for a long time before he finally asked.
"Is she coming?"
I shook my head.
"No. She said to tell you to call the finance department so Desmond can get reimbursed."
"She didn't ask about me?"