She ignored my question, again.
Instead, she smirked and changed the subject. “So, bored of the new job yet?”
“I’m doing it as a favor for Dad,” I replied, leaning back.
I wasn’t sure if leading Altika was what I wanted. I’d been happy at Lead Capital Group, building something of my own with my partners.
Dad had never been pleased with my decision to strike out independently. When I’d co-founded the firm, he hadn’t spoken to me for months. He eventually got over it, sweeping it under the rug and acting like nothing happened when he called me four months later to discuss something about his health.
I’d let it go.
But Dad’s insistence that his company needed me and my leadership lingered long after I turned him down.
The second time he approached me, he had a panic attack and couldn’t seem to breathe. I got him to a hospital right away, and after that episode I hadn’t wanted his health to suffer from stress over me. So I decided to give in to Dad’s request.
Cora scoffed. “Your dad should’ve asked Sam instead.”
My chest tightened. The board supported me for the CEO position due to my proven track record at Lead Capital Group, not to mention Dad’s insistence that I was the right choice. But Cora had already worked her influence behind the scenes, convincing the board to limit my appointment to an interim role with a short evaluation period. And now she wanted her nephew, Sam, to take over despite his lack of qualifications.
“When the board meets next, I want you to recommend Sam,” she said, her voice sharp. “You know he’s wanted this forever. He’s been training for it for so long.”
I laughed bitterly. Sam had spent the past few years in rehab.
“Sam has nothing to do with Altika,” I said. “I can’t risk him ruining everything Dad has built.”
I also couldn’t underestimate Cora’s influence on Dad. She would convince him to suggest Sam for the CEO post. I wouldn’t put it past her to work out some backhanded deals with the board of directors to get votes for Sam. Anything to prove her worth. At seventy-five, my dad didn’t need to know about those games. I would protect him from seeing Altika fail at the hands of anyone unqualified.
Cora’s eyes narrowed. “So, you’re actually planning to fight for this position? Even knowing what it could cost you?”
I didn’t answer immediately. Instead, I leaned forward and poured single malt whiskey for Cora and myself. I handed her a glass, which she set aside, untouched, while I stared at mine with distaste. Good company wasn’t a requirement for drinking, but bad company could certainly ruin the experience.
“For Dad’s sake, I plan to take the company far, even though I’ve only been interim CEO for a month. I can’t risk anyone else ruining it.”
Her expression was cold. “This is just another one of your games, isn’t it? Like that on-and-off girlfriend of yours?”
I froze. “You don’t know the first thing about my relationship with Jill.” We had broken it off only weeks ago.
Jill and I had been friends long before we even got together. We had been friends with benefits in the past, but we weren’t now.
But as I sat there, all I could think about was Lexi and how wrong this must look. And how I hadn’t been able to process it when she showed up at my office.
“You’re stubborn, just like your mother. No wonder she never reached out to you during her last few years alive.”
The words hit like a slap. Before I could find my voice, the front door opened.
“Ah, there you are,” Cora said brightly as my dad appeared. I gripped my glass tighter, resisting the urge to hurl it at thewall, and forced myself to stand. He looked dapper as always with his thin silver hair, green cashmere sweater, and a tan from too much time in expensive European cities. His gait had slowed, but otherwise he carried himself with the same polished elegance.
“Hello, son,” he said, allowing me to lead him to the sofa. He sat down next to Cora and looked at me.
“We need to leave in a few minutes, we have to fly back to Montana, then get ready for our trip to Côte d’Azur this Friday,” he said, having barely settled onto the couch. He looked at Cora. “Al Densing said he’s thrilled for us to host his birthday party on our yacht.” My father turned to me. “You and Jill will be there, of course?”
Even though Dad and Cora wouldn’t be showing up to the party I’d planned for Friday. Even though I’d already sent invitations, and had already paid the planner and caterer. All of it was now worthless.
I felt Cora’s calculating gaze on me and spoke clearly. “I’llbe there for the party. Alone.”
Dad had been very approving of my past relationship with Jill. In fact, he was even hoping we’d get back together. Jill’s family was old money, and we were often invited to the same events, and had mutual friends. She fit into my world easily, even if we didn’t love each other anymore.
“So, how’s my company doing? Altika hasn’t gone under yet, has it?” Dad asked, and I winced before filling him in on everything.
