My mind raced.I wasn’t stupid.The fact that Mr.Hestian was here made Dad’s intent clear.He was still pushing for the investment.But did that mean he was ignoring our deal or simply making another pitch?
With Felix here, I wasn’t worried about a pitch.They couldn’t force anything.If he was ignoring the deal, though, that would be a problem.Konni had already withdrawn the lawsuit, and I couldn’t ask him to refile it.If I did, Dad would know I had more than an employee relationship with someone higher up.Where did that leave me?
Rather than think too far ahead, I sighed and said, “We can wait until six-forty-five, and then I need to get back to the office.”
“Back?Aren’t you done at five?”Dad asked.
“I used to be.Since the issue last Friday, I moved departments.Now I’m on call as needed.Tonight is an as-needed night.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Mr.Hestian said, moving to take the chair next to mine.
A healthy distance separated us until he inched it closer as he sat.
“I had hoped we could speak about another proposition.Your father brought to my attention your interest in TAS Solutions shares.I happen to have a few myself if you’re interested.”
“I’m not,” I said without looking at him.
He reached out to touch my hand, which was resting on the table.I grabbed my cup of water and turned toward him.
“Mr.Hestian, my father told me that you’re interested in having more kids.”
“He’s right.I am avidly looking for suitable candidates.”
“I hope you find one who is willing, then.At your age, it’s bound to be an expensive endeavor.You might need more than a few TAS Solutions stocks to sweeten the deal, though, especially with your questionable history of deceased wives.Then again, if the next one meets your intelligence requirements, she’ll probably outlive you.”
His response wasn’t what I expected.He laughed.
“Oh, I like you.Our sons would have a backbone.”
“Our sons will remain figments of your imagination.”
“Mr.Hestian,” Dad said with a smile.“Was my warning about her bark accurate?”
“Very,” the man said.“I’m quite pleased and looking forward to seeing if her bite matches.”
Thoroughly repulsed, I turned to look at Felix.“What are the legal consequences of beating a man unconscious with his own cane after verbal assault?”
Felix placed his phone on the table, which showed he’d been recording the whole conversation.
“One could argue defense if you’re feeling threatened.”
“I certainly am.I came here in good faith to sign a contract with my father for shares that he promised me in exchange for convincing Mr.Steele to drop charges, but instead, it seems as if my father is trying to sell me.”
“Are you suggesting that your father bribed you to drop charges, Ms.Elmantas, and is now involved in human trafficking?”Felix said.
Internally, I cackled like an insane person.
“I believe I am.”
“Wait,” Dad said.“I’m not trying to sell you, Sophia.Mr.Hestian is a business associate of mine whom I happened to see on my way in.And the shares aren’t a bribe.They’re not in exchange for anything.They’re what I owe you as my daughter.”
He pulled out his phone and sent a message.
“My assistant is bringing them in now.”He glanced from me to Felix.“You’ll see, based on the contract, there aren’t any stipulations.No bribe.”
The door opened, and a woman came in with a folder.Dad motioned her to Felix.I didn’t watch her, but glanced at Mr.Hestian.He hadn’t looked away from me the entire time.He still looked…interested.
If my dinner hadn’t tasted so good, I might have thrown it up.
