I scoff. This family has nevercut the shit.All we do is talk in back-handed compliments. It's our love language.
"What do you want me to say? That I'm surprised our father pulled you back into the fold? That I didn't see this coming? Just like those allegations." My words are harsh, the alcohol blurring my filter.This is why I don't have more than one drink.
"You think I wanted this?"
I finally look at him. Six years of fieldwork have changed him. He's more weathered, broader through the shoulders, with calloused hands that speak of actual labor instead of boardroom handshakes. "Did you?"
"Leonard made it clear this wasn't a request." Gabe's jaw tightens. "Either I come back and run damage control through the foundation, or he finds other ways to make my work difficult. Turns out, building wells in developing countries requires permits, funding, government cooperation. All things our father has a remarkable influence over."
The whiskey tastes more bitter now. "So he bought you." That's the thing about having money: it makes it possible to get whatever you want. My father wields his like a weapon. And if he can't buy you directly, he'll find a way to make your life miserable by buying others.
"He threatened everything I've built for the last six years." Gabe's voice drops. "Every project, every community that depends on clean water access. You think I had a choice?"
"There's always a choice."
Gabe scoffs and turns to me, frustration coating his features. "Tell me, Ash, when was the last time you made a decision that wasn't calculated to please Leonard or position yourself for succession?"
Heat flares in my chest despite the cold. "Careful."
"I heard about your engagement. Is that what your new fiancée is? Another strategic move?"
My grip tightens on the glass. "She's none of your business."
"I hear she's a little farm girl. Which makes me wonder what the hell she's doing with you."
"Maybe she sees something you don't."
Gabe studies me for a long moment. "Maybe she does." He polishes off his glass, setting it down on the bar top with too much force before standing. "I guess we'll be seeing more of each other, then."
My voice is caught in my throat. Everything feels wrong. I'm out here throwing myself a pity party and drinking too much, all because Daddy didn't live up to my expectations.Again.
I'm not like him.I decide.I'm better.
And what I need to do is sober up and continue with my plan. Because the best way to deal with the problem that is my father is to remove him from his CEO chair and replace him with someone better.
Me.
NEW STORY IDEAS
We meet the heroine in her tragically boring life. Maybe she’s broke?
The heroine is rescued from her average life by the enigmatic billionaire.
The heroine and the hero make a mutually beneficial agreement.
