“Why?” A man like him prefers straightforwardness. I also want him to know that I’m not intimidated by him.
“Fatherly concern,” he replies, resting one hand on the arm of the chair. “Sons don’t like it when their dads meddle in their business. Hence, the discretion. I would like to know the measures you’re taking to fix his mess.”
So, you can create obstacles? Hell no.
“Nathan is the face of this company, and this scandal threatens to tarnish the legacy I’ve built for him to lead. I’m making sure you realize what’s at stake and can handle the problem.”
“Unfortunately, I cannot go into details with you, lest I breach my contract. My client is Nathan, not Singhania and Sons,” I explain politely but firmly. “However, let me assure you that I am working diligently and guiding Nathan through this is my top priority.”
His jaw grinds before he quickly smoothens it with a tight smile. Leaning forward, he gives me a hard look. “His terrible mistake in his personal life is hurtingmycompany and making everyone question the morals it was built on…”
“You meanNathan’scompany?” I remind him. “He is the present CEO.”
“Singhania and Sons will always bemyfirm first. I’ve chosen and made Nathan the leader that he is today. He is representing me while sitting at the top. So far, he’s been nothing but a disappointment.”
The authoritarian nature that Nathan warned me about flares to life. Witnessing the ferocity of it firsthand brings some clarity.
Rakesh Singhania wants to see his son fail.
Or at the very least, have him under his control.
I cannot allow either to happen, which means I can’t make him my enemy.
“I understand your concerns, Mr. Singhania. It’s your blood, sweat, and tears with which you’ve built this empire. However, Nathan’s one small mistake doesn’t change the truth that he is an amazing CEO. The company’s current stats are the best they’ve ever been under your son’s reign. He’s also doing everything he can to curb the damage that the scandal has caused. I wish I could share the details, but I’m bound by the contract. A man like you should appreciate that I’m abiding by it. It shows my character that I won’t disclose the details, even to a powerful man like you.”
A little bit of his ire simmers down. His brows pull together as he listens to my speech. With a sigh, he reluctantly nods. “I do appreciate it. I’ve met your father a couple of times. He has raised you well.”
Of course, he does. They’re both controlling and hardly care about their children’s happiness. In a neutral tone, I say, “Thank you.”
“Shame your fiancé didn’t appreciate you.”
I put on a fake smile. “It was my ex-fiancé’s loss for sure.”
“I would’ve been proud had my son chosen someone like you to marry, instead of that cheating gold digger.”
My fingers curl into a ball as I try to rein in my temper, holding on to my composure. I don’t like his demeaning tone.
How can he talk about Iris like this? Kian would wage a war against him if he heard him.
“It’s all her fault we’re in this mess,” Rakesh hisses. “She trapped my son and swindled him for money. I thought he was smarter than that.”
My blood boils the more he talks. I may not know the whole story about Nathan and Iris’s fake relationship, but I do know Iris doesn’t have a malicious bone in her body. There must’ve been another reason why she agreed to date Nathan.
“They’re no longer together, so you don’t need to worry,” I force myself to reply.
“Good riddance.”
“If there’s nothing else, may I leave?” I make a show of gazing at my wristwatch. “I have another appointment.”
“Here, have my card.” He passes it. “In case my son gives you trouble and you need my help. While I understand you can’t share the nitty-gritty of the case, I would like to be kept in the loop about the progress.”
It’s not a request. “Sure, Mr. Singhania.”
I have no intention of doing his bidding.
As soon as I’m out of the office, I briskly walk to the elevator and press the button. Opening my purse, I yank out my phone to text Nathan. I type…
ME: Hey, are you…
