“No longer, brother,” Carson piped in. “I’m ready to buckle down and earn my paycheck.”
The timing was suspect. “You have me curious. What do you think you’re going to be doing?” His title as COO had meant nothing. He’d spent more time on the golf course than in the office during the past three years. Or strung out on whatever party favor he’d secured.
“He’ll be assisting you with the overseas market. I was very pleased albeit surprised when your brother came to me with some interesting facts and figures as well as ideas on ensuring our overseas clients are eager to sign on with us.” Dad did enjoy dropping a bomb. Since I’d been the one to nurture the various relationships overseas, building them through time, trust, and three overseas visits, my annoyance was likely showing.
I bit back every nasty word that came to the forefront of my mind.
Carson was up to something. There was no doubt. I gave him a look of admiration just for fun, even adding a nod of fake approval. “Interesting.”
“I think you’ll like my ideas,” he offered.
It would seem I’d be juggling two different but equally difficult games.
And it was barely nine-thirty in the morning.
I sat back, resting my elbows on the arms of the chair and steepling my fingers. It was easy to see they’d been chatting formore than a few minutes by the paperwork I noticed on my father’s desk.
Including the contract for the Barchella Hotel Group.
It was obvious Carson was eager to pick a fight or to simply sit back and watch me fume. I wasn’t interested. “Then you can handle the marketing aspect as I’ve already found a highly qualified person to provide me with everything I need for the contracts to be signed.”
I’d been vague enough my father took the bait, immediately narrowing his eyes and leaning over his desk.
“You’ve hired someone to work for you,” he commented.
“In a manner of speaking, although I’m certain she would correct you in that we’re working together. Two peas in a pod. I’m getting married and with her background, credentials, and lineage, she’ll make a perfect partner.”
In crime, I wanted to add, but why spoil all the fun I was about to have. With that, I stood, immediately heading for the door.
“You? Getting married?” my brother choked out. “It must be some floozy you’ve slept with more than once. No offense, of course, but your taste in women leaves much to be desired.”
Carson knew how to dig out old wounds, a pastime he’d grown very fond of.
I shook my head, merely throwing him a look while wearing a sly smile.
“What’s her name?” my father asked. Was there a hint of a smile on his face?
Why not go ahead and spread the joy? “Vanessa Blair.”
Neither my brother nor my father made any connections.
“Her father is Jonathan Blair of Blair Development. Since I have it from reputable sources Mr. Blair is actively pursuing Barchella, my guess is her services will be… invaluable. Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I’d like to spend some time with my fiancée. She has valuable input for the meeting on Friday.”
It wasn’t often that I caught my father off guard and I had to admit it felt damn good.
As I headed out of the office earlier than expected, I half laughed. I’d just elevated my lovely wife to be an active business partner.
I could only imagine her surprise.
CHAPTER 19
Vanessa
“Your court case is tomorrow. You need to be clean and sober and eager to admit what you did was wrong.” I tried my best not to sound like my mother or some schoolteacher, but I needed my brother to fully understand just how serious the charges against him were.
Donovan laughed. “I wasn’t going to sell the drugs, sis. How many times do I need to tell you that?”
What was the point in arguing with him? “It doesn’t matter at this point. The charges will be held in suspension.” For now. I cringed as soon as I said the words. I’d had a short phone call with Donovan’s new attorney. Not the nicest of men, but I could sense he’d be a shark.
