He sighs yet again. “Is Merged just a pit stop before you disappear again? If you want to forge your own way in the business world, you can’t just fuck off as you see fit.”
I couldn’t be less interested in leaving my mark on the business world. “Thank you for the lecture.”
I flex my fingers again.
Maybe if I had left when I was eighteen, I would have been the same happy, charming fucker as my brother. It’s too late for me, but at least I’m finally getting closer to my freedom.
“Don’t be an asshole, Liam. I don’t know where you disappear for weeks, but I know that’s not something Corm would tolerate. I’m just asking you to figure out if Merged is what you want.”
He has a point. But I’m not derailing this conversation.
When I talked to Cormac Quinn about my interest in joining the business, I got the sense he already had someone eyeing the stake in the company. Xandercanhelp.
“Understood.” I put down my cutlery. I guess it’s me who can’t digest this conversation.
Xander snorts. “I know you understand. I’m asking if you’re willing to play by the rules.”
“As if you ever did.”
“I might have done a lot of reckless things, but nobody can question my business ethics.”
“Also known as workaholism.”
“Dedication,” he quips.
It’s not like we haven’t had this conversation before. He’s covered for me more times than I deserve.
Yet… I’m tired of justifying myself.
I shrug. “Cormac Quinn invited me to discuss the deal. He’s hosting me in the Merged guest suite. The door is open.”
He raises his eyebrow, unimpressed. “So why are we here?”
I shrug. He will figure it out.
“Liam, what do you need from me?”
Finally, we get to the main program of the evening.
“I want to impress Cormac enough to make this deal happen.”
He groans and takes a sip of his wine. I’m washing the taste of this conversation down with a gin and tonic.
“So you want me to recommend you?”
“I want information. Something that would tip the scales.” I flex my fingers.
“You know they will consult me. Especially since we’re brothers.”
“Are you saying being your brother is a disadvantage?”
“Don’t play chess with me, Liam. I’m saying they value my opinion.”
“I know. What would help me when talking to Quinn and van den Linden?”
Since Xander left, Quinn and his partners have held the company. It’s Corm who is the deciding man, though.
“Look, Liam, I’ll help you. Not because you asked nicely.” He scoffs. “But because I know firsthand that escaping father’s control is a good thing.”
