Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
I’ll never understand how they were able to be in the same room long enough to make a child, let alone three of them. My little brother River is away at camp this week, which gives my parents even more time to focus on my life and how they think it should be lived. Being the oldest and the heir, the weight of getting married is heavy on my shoulders. I’ve waited a long time for this day, and now that it’s done, I’m ready to sign on the dotted line as soon as possible.
“My sister has already spoken to me this morning.” I raise an eyebrow at my mother, and she presses her lips together in frustration. It’s subtle, but I know her probably better than my own father.
They were an arranged marriage, but it was borne from greed. My grandparents on both sides made the arrangement without their knowledge in order to expand their wealth by joining businesses. While the business thrived, my parents began to dissolve, but there was no way out for them. So instead they’ve lived in separate wings of the house like strangers, and they’ve shown me exactly what I don’t want in my marriage.
“Going to another club?” my dad asks, and I want to roll my eyes.
“Since I own them? Yes.”
“It’s a disgrace for someone of your breeding to have such a low-class investment.” My mother literally turns her nose up.
“Considering this is my money and not yours, you don’t really have a say.”
This is what I think really bothers them. When I was a teenager, I got a job behind their backs and started making my own money. I had wealth beyond my imagination, but even at fifteen, I knew I didn’t want it. There’s no pride in being given money, so instead, I set out to earn my own. Since then, I’ve invested in places I knew my rich friends would blow their fortunes. Night clubs, casinos, and bars were where I put all my money, and it paid off in riches. They emptied their daddies’ wallets into my businesses, and I made my own wealth, independent from my family.
The last and only thing I needed from my parents was this arrangement. My marriage.
If I went to Amelia’s parents directly, it would have questioned her reputation and possibly caused a scandal. I have to do this properly if I want it to work. And I will make it work.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out. “I need to go.” My father stands from his desk and I nod to the both of them. “I’ll see you at the benefit?”
“Yes, of course.” My mother’s tone is soothing, and she’s trying to make nice. “Don’t forget you’re escorting your sister.”
“I remember.”
When I get outside, the valet is waiting with my car door open. I’m sure they expected me to be gone by now because I never stay long.
My phone vibrates again, and I answer it.
“Are you coming to Back Room tonight?” my best friend Beckett says as a greeting.
“No, I’ve got a long meeting with the accountants. My brain will be fried after.”
“Boring.” I can practically hear him roll his eyes.
“You say that as if it wouldn’t be boring at Back Room.”
“Well, at least there when you mope in your office, I get free drinks.”
“Beckett, do you think they’re free? When was the last time you checked on your tab?”
“I have a tab?”
“Maybe you should meet the accountants with me.” He laughs, and I check the time. “I’ve got to go, but are you coming to the Monarch benefit? Please say yes. I’ll need someone to keep me awake since I promised to escort Glenda. You know how awful these things are. People showing off their money and only donating pennies to the actual charity.”
“Is Glenda back from school already? I’m surprised they’re allowing kids at these parties.”
“You really have no concept of time. She’s come of age, and this is her first event.” My phone vibrates, and I see it’s the accounting office calling. “I’ve got to run. See you at Monarch?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” he says before I hang up the phone.
“Felipe.” I answer the other call and hear Jim, my account manager, on the other end.
“I needed to confirm a couple of things I saw on the list of discussion points tonight. Am I seeing this right? Are you really consolidating your assets?”
“I intend to sell.” My voice is matter-of-fact, and there’s a quick pause on the other end.
“If you don’t mind, can you explain why? Your businesses are some of the most profitable I’ve ever seen. Why don’t you take on a partner to manage your duties while you reap the benefits? It makes no sense to sell them.”
“I’m getting married, Jim. And as soon as I say I do, things are going to change around here.”