Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 85925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
“I didn’t want to use it,” I admitted. “I wanted to do it my own way, but it was hard. When the money I took with me ran out, I needed something extra, but he stopped me from doing that, too.”
“God.” Damien rubbed his forehead. “I’m so sorry.”
“Why? You tried to help. I was too stubborn to take that.”
“I was trying to force you into taking the money I didn’t think you wanted,” he said slowly. “I’m sorry. This all comes down to Dad.”
“Does he know about this?”
“He doesn’t even talk about them anymore, Per. He won’t even think about going to their graves. He drank himself into oblivion every day until I learned the truth last week.”
“What happened?”
“I told him to sign full control of the company to me and go to rehab, or I’d buy him out.”
My jaw dropped. “What did he do?”
“The smart choice. He quietly transferred more of the business into my name and checked himself into rehab. He’s currently nothing more than a shareholder.”
Well, shit.
I never thought I’d see the day.
“Wow. How did you pull that off?”
He smiled wryly. “I’m his son. I got some of his better traits.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“I laid down some home truths and he admitted he needed help. He prepaid for three months, but he’ll probably need at last six. He’s got a decade of shit to wade through.” Damien scratched the side of his nose. “The longer the better, if you ask me.”
“You’ll get no arguments from me on that.”
He inclined his head toward me. “How did the interview go?”
“Well, I think. I hope. I need this job.”
“Are you still…” He trailed off, looking over my shoulder.
I had to smile at his awkwardness. “No. I stopped a few weeks ago. I, uh, I kinda got arrested.”
He stiffened. “What?”
“It’s fine,” I said quickly. “I had a breakdown in the car and he let me go. Adrian is a single parent and he said he didn’t feel good about it. I’ve been working as a consultant for the police ever since, but it’s not exactly a long-term job.”
I had no intention of letting him know that the only reason I was a consultant was because it was that or jail.
Damien frowned. “Adrian…Is that Potter?”
“You know him?”
“Called Dad several months back about coming and doing some recon work in some of our clubs. Dad handed him several choice words and informed the security no cops were to enter any of our premises. I had to call the chief of police and apologize for his behavior.”
“That doesn’t surprise me at all. And now I understand his distaste for our family a little more.”
“Know him well, do you?” His voice was hard, but there was a playful glint in his eye.
Apparently, big brotherly instincts didn’t disappear just because our relationship did.
“Actually, as a point, he’s currently looking after Lola. But it’s complicated, so don’t push it.”
He held up his hands. “Lola, huh? She has to be seven now.”
“You didn’t know her name? Did your investigator not share it when you? Lord knows I have to say it enough times a day.”
He laughed. “Nope, he was instructed to keep his distance. He was purely to check on your well-being and deliver a check.”
“Did he enjoy the time I recognized his car and left it under his wiper?”
“Not so much. He knew he’d be liable for it if it went missing.”
“Huh. I never thought of that.”
“Can I see a photo of Lola?”
I paused. “I can do you one better. You can meet her if you really want.”
Something flashed across his face. “Really?”
“Sure. When we’re done here, I want to go home and change, and then you can come with me to get her from Adrian’s place.” I shrugged a shoulder. “I’m not gonna lie, I’m happier about it knowing Benedict isn’t around right now.”
If that offended him, he didn’t let it show.
“Speaking of Dad…” He leaned back and reached into his pocket. Pulling out his wallet, he opened it, and slid something out.
Then, he placed it on the table and pushed the small, rectangular bit of plastic to me.
“Here’s what belonged to you all along. I managed to release some more of the stuff Mom held back until you turned thirty. She actually left the majority of her half to you. You own more of the business than Dad does now.”
I blinked at the card.
I knew how much money was in that account. At least, I did. Interest and extras…
I’d gone from having a hundred bucks in my account to having at least ten million.
“That’s really mine?” I asked, peering up at Damien.
He nodded. “Same account, but now under my control. You have to keep it under the business until the rest of Mom’s ownership transfers to you in a few years, then we can break it away. That was all in her legal docs. But Benedict can’t hurt you anymore.”