“That guy, Philip, blamed her cancer on that chemical spill in Jakarta,” Wade said.
“And he might have been right.” Alan leaned back in his chair. “I’ve got people studying the issue, and I’ve set up a fund to help. I’ve also ordered the plant closed.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re willing to help with the medical. But what about all the lost jobs?” As Wade leaned forward, upset, Shelby watched with interest.
“I don’t want to be in that business anymore.” Alan’s expression turned hard.
“Can you sell it?” Wade asked. “Those people have so little already.”
“Including cancer, it appears.” Her father waved his hand, as though the motion could make it all go away. “I won’t be party to it anymore.”
“I understand Wade’s concern,” Shelby said. “Can you convert the factory to make something else, something less hazardous?”
Alan scowled, but he didn’t say anything.
“Just give it some thought,” she said. “You’ve got smart people working for you. I’m sure you all can come up with something.”
“Perhaps.” He turned his attention to Ava. “You’re being promoted.”
“To what?” The woman’s body had stiffened. “I like my job.”
“I want you to stay with my daughter.” He turned to Shelby then. “She’s also being promoted.”
“Nooo—” she began.
“Yes. I’m moving you up to vice president.”
Shelby opened her mouth to argue about nepotism, but something in his expression made her change what she’d meant to say. “Over what? Are you letting someone else go?”
“No, but I’m opening a new division, and I’d like you to spearhead it.” Alan reached to the side and brought something up from the floor. Standing, he spread the rolled paper on his desk and waved them all over. “I bought this company last week while I was on bed rest. They make medical equipment, especially related to heart procedures.”
“Have a special interest in that kind of thing now, sir?” Wade grinned.
“I do, indeed.” Alan pointed back to the paper. “They’ve let themselves get a little behind technologically, and I want you to bring them around. Update them. They have branches in several countries.”
“That means a lot of travel.” Wade didn’t sound happy about that.
“And that brings me to you, young man.” Alan sat down again. “Shelby’s project is going to require a lot of remodeling and perhaps some new buildings. I’m hoping I can convince you to work for me.”
“What about the island?” Shelby asked, biting down a smile.
“I’m sure Wade’s company has someone else they can send.”
“Does the travel bother you?” Shelby asked. “We don’t have to take it.”
Wade looked from her to her father. “I’d love to work for you, sir.”
“Excellent.” Alan leaned back in his chair. “Now, when we were in that bunker, I was in and out of it. But I could have sworn that I heard you ask my daughter to marry you.”
“I did, sir.” Wade reached over for Shelby’s hand, and she took it.
Alan turned to her. “And what did you say?”
“While you were in surgery,” Wade interrupted, “I promised her that I’d talk to you first.”
“You want my blessing, Shel?” Alan asked.
“I’ve spent too much of my life with a messed-up family,” she said. “I want us all on the same page.”
