Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“And I’m supposed to believe that?”
Hop retrieved the box and pulled out a letter. “Remember these?”
Roland’s expression transformed into something closely resembling remorse. “Why do you have those? Is she okay?”
“So you aren’t just a heartless bastard, shocking.”
“Your mother?”
“Is extremely disappointed in you. After all these years, she’d cherished her love for you, even nurtured it on her own. Can you imagine how distraught she became when I told her what you’ve done?”
“What have I done except support you both?”
“Actually, no, you haven’t.” He opened the box and pulled out a key and waved it in the air between them. “You think she’d take your money when your wealth was the reason she left you in the first place? Is it even possible for someone like you to understand such a thing?”
“She didn’t use it?”
“Not a penny. Every month she withdrew your deposit and put it in a safety deposit box right under your nose. She didn’t want to have easy access to it. Can you even comprehend that kind of self-control? Or the fucking sacrifices she made, how hard she had to work to maintain our lifestyle?” He put the key back inside and closed the lid. “I’m not as honorable as my mother. I’m not giving it back to be altruistic. I’m paying off a debt.”
Roland squinted. “If she never used it, there is no debt.”
“Not mine, Rafe’s.”
“Rafe Marson?” His bushy brow rose in surprise.
Hop nodded and shoved the box into Roland’s chest. “Take it all back, you greedy son of a bitch. We don’t need it. We never have. Now you have nothing to lord over us or Rafe. Go wipe your ass with hundred-dollar bills and leave us alone.”
“I have never bothered you.”
“You bothered me every single day of my life, but it was my own fault. I was dumb. All I ever wanted was your attention, some sort of connection, but you couldn’t be bothered. You sent your errand boy instead, and when he couldn’t control me either, you threatened all of us with that.” Hop tapped the box. “Rafe lied, do you know that? I never went out of town to study. He was just too good a guy to let you destroy us. How he stayed so honest while living in your world for so long, I will never understand.”
“I gave him everything. I made him what he is.”
All at once, Hop felt sorry for his father. “You really believe that don’t you?”
“It’s the truth.”
“If it was true, he’d be the mirror image of you and I never would have fallen in love with him,” Hop said. “You didn’t make him, you used him. There’s a difference.”
“If it weren’t for me he’d never be at the top of his field, he’d never have opened a club before he turned thirty. He’d never have become such a success.”
“It’s true your money made those things happen faster than they might have, but I have no doubt Rafe would have done it all with or without your influence because he’s got something you don’t: sincerity.”
“Sincerity? How naive.”
“And that right there is why he’ll always be a better man than you. I’m setting him free. Let’s see how high he climbs without you holding him back.”
Hop tucked his hands in his pockets and brushed past Roland on his way to the crosswalk. Those were the last words he’d ever say to his father, and he was fine with it. Confronting the man was like pressing the reset button on his life. From that moment on, he wouldn’t let anyone make him feel ashamed of who he was.
Not even himself.
* * *
Rafe was in a meeting with his attorney when his phone rang. Caller ID showed a dreaded number.
“Excuse me a minute, please.” He stood and left the room. “Hello?”
“Mr. Lockwood requires your presence at his residence in one hour.” His secretary’s voice was shrill as ever.
“I’m busy.” He could hear her shock through the speaker.
“Well...um...”
Had no one ever refused the directive before? He took pity on her. “I can be there in two. Lockwood will just have to wait.”
“Oh, he won’t like that.”
“Too bad. I’m not bringing his fucking wine this time either.” He clicked off, feeling bad for taking it out on her. She was only his mouthpiece.
It took another ninety minutes to wrap things up with his lawyer and it still wasn’t to Rafe’s satisfaction. At least he’d made sure his family wouldn’t suffer, thanks to Prince.
He called Mark on his way out. Unlike Rafe, Mark was maintaining a positive and hopeful mood in spite of the load of shit hanging over their heads.
“I’ve been called to the principal’s office,” Rafe said, pushing the front door open and shielding his eyes from the glare.
“Seriously? Does he have bugs planted in our office?”
“I wouldn’t put it past him.”