“I never beg.”
The words and her wicked smile were almost all I could think about.
Almost.
Releasing the information on my planned engagement was another.
Kowtowing to my father.
For some reason, Vanessa’s words lingered in the forefront of my mind as I walked into the office. While she hadn’t shoved it in my face, she certainly had ensured I knew she’d left her father’s regime so she wouldn’t be forced to live under his thumb. I’d never thought of the empire I’d helped create or the lifestyle I’d been afforded to live meant I was bowing down to anyone.
Now I couldn’t get the thought from my mind.
However, I’d called the meeting with my father. It wouldn’t be long before the rumor mill started and I certainly wanted to be the person to tell him about my upcoming nuptials before some rag newspaper did.
As I started to walk by my father’s assistant, she jerked to her feet.
Backtracking, I returned to her desk. “What’s wrong, Heather?” The woman was fidgeting. While I certainly knew she preferred when Pops phoned in or emailed whatever terse order that crossed his mind, she had a look that reminded me of the fear of God on her face.
“It’s nothing,” she said.
“I am expected.”
“I know. It’s just…”
“Spit it out, Heather.”
She darted a glance toward the door. “Carson is in with Mr. Elliot.”
I laughed. That usually meant my brother was close to running out of money. While years younger, he’d yet to indulge in participating in the job he was given at the company.
Which suited me just fine.
“I’ll handle it, Heather. Why don’t you go get a cup of coffee.” As I moved to the closed door, I was certain I overheard her admitting she’d prefer a glass of wine. Perhaps my father and Vanessa’s were exactly alike.
I’d taken a brief glance at Jonathan Blair’s background. His father had started the company, much like my grandfather had. He’d worked his way up through grit and determination but hadn’t really achieved success until he’d married a beauty queen from a well-to-do family.
How ironic.
I walked in without knocking as my father usually did when he required my presence. As soon as I burst in, the sight of my brother was more annoying than normal. The smirk on his face reminded me of the way Vanessa had glared at me.
As if she knew something I didn’t.
Carson was lounging in the chair opposite my father’s massive desk, leaning back with his leg extended, his arms locked behind his head. At least today he’d had the decency to wear a suit. A rarity.
Pops glanced at his watch as if I was either early or late while I closed the door.
“Right on time, Dad. Something I value in every employee.” My dig to remind him he’d given up the helm certainly wasn’t lost on my brother, yet he kept the smile. I’ll be damned if his eyes weren’t twinkling.
What the hell was going on?
“I was in the middle of discussing business with your brother, but since you’re here,” Dad said in his usual annoyed, open-ended, and very sarcastic comment.
I moved to the other chair, unfastening my jacket before sitting down. Ignoring Carson was in my best interest. “Since Elliot Enterprises is under my command, whatever discussions you’re having with Carson I should be included in.”
Pops finally swung around in his chair. “Very well. I’ve asked Carson to take his position within the company more seriously. It’s obvious you need the help and your brother is highly qualified. Years of college can’t be wasted on parties.”
I almost retorted by asking if his qualifications were in binge drinking and nightly social activities but refrained. “From what I’ve seen, Carson is far too busy with extracurricular activities.”
