But when Brock asked if it was an emergency, Grandfather had hung up on him. Figures. His grandfather had actually seemed happy last night, happy to see Jane win. Was it possible he’d changed his mind overnight? It was Grandfather. Of course it was possible.
It seemed like every newspaper in the nation had covered the auction, calling it a true Cinderella story. Because of Nadine’s connections, inside information had been given to a few key magazines that made Jane look innocent in the whole thing.
And once the media learned Nadine’s fairy godmother donation to Jane had allowed true love to win, well, the media had gone wild. How could his grandfather not be pleased with all the attention?
He knocked twice on his grandfather’s office door, then finally just let himself in.
And as per usual, his grandfather was seated behind his massive desk, his hair perfectly combed, his suit starched within an inch of his life.
“Brock.” Grandfather grinned. “Sit down.”
Brock narrowed his eyes at his grandfather then slowly lowered himself into the facing leather chair and waited.
“I didn’t know what to do with you,” Grandfather began in a hoarse voice. “A part of you died with your parents. Don’t deny it.”
Brock couldn’t. Because it was true. A part of him did die and then Jane went and found it.
“I did a poor job with you three.” Grandfather shook his head. “You were so much older than the twins, more mature, that it felt natural you would follow in my footsteps. At the time I didn’t realize I was forcing anything on you that you didn’t want. By the time I did notice, it was too late. Your fear guided every decision you made—until Jane.”
Brock smiled. “Until Jane.”
Grandfather nodded his head thoughtfully, then stood and came around the desk to sit directly next to Brock.
His grandfather had never sat anywhere but behind his desk.
It was too familiar.
Not as threatening.
Stunned, Brock watched as his grandfather wiped a tear from his eye and shook his head at Brock. “Nadine asked for my help.”
“Wait, what?”
“After you came up with your harebrained scheme to have Nadine sponsor Jane, Nadine knew that the only way to rig the whole damn thing was to call out favors with each of the wealthiest families bidding. If you haven’t noticed, Nadine is a complete mastermind of manipulation. She didn’t want to stop with Jane, though—no, that woman’s bloodthirsty—the minute she forced me to confess the problems I’d been having with you boys and the shareholders, the entire plan exploded into what I’d like to think of as world domination.” He chuckled. “Though Bentley and Brant were never supposed to be a part of the auction—I see now why I wasn’t told. I’m surprised they didn’t flee the country.” He sighed. “I shudder to think of the plans that Nadine has for those two. I do hope you know what you’re doing, because they didn’t seem happy when they left—though God knows they need someone to straighten them out. They’re beyond my reach.”
“Why?” Brock blinked in confusion. “Why help Jane? Why help me, for that matter? Why allow Nadine to sponsor Jane in the first place?”
“Oh, son.” Grandfather’s smile was sad as he reached over and patted Brock’s hand, “Did you really think I was such a horrible person for trying to make things easy on you? For taking the choices away from you, the stress? What I thought was a blessing ended up being your curse, and for that I will never forgive myself.” He stood. “Asking Nadine to help was smart—the shareholders are pleased, but most of all, I’ve never been more proud of you in my entire life. You stood up for what you loved—I know that if your parents were here, they’d say the same.” He inclined his head. “Last night, I was proud to be your grandfather. You risked everything. For love.”
“Yeah.” Brock smiled, just thinking about Jane. “All for love.”
Grandfather’s lips formed an amused smile. “Exactly as it should be.” He chuckled and shook his head. “All right, now leave an old man in peace. And don’t think I’m not still watching you!” Grandfather got up and moved to his chair, pointing a strong finger at Brock. “You better make an honest woman out of that Jane. Marry her, give me great-grandkids to spoil. Now you’re dismissed.”
Someone knocked loudly on the door then it flew open, and Nadine came stomping in.
She ignored Brock completely, stepped up to his grandfather and kissed his cheek. “Ready to get those twins settled down?”
“Take notes, Brock,” Grandfather’s eyes never left Nadine’s. “This is what it looks like to sell your soul to the devil.”
Nadine and Brock laughed while Grandfather wrapped an arm around her waist, and kissed her on the mouth.
“Everyone needs a little sin in their lives,” she whispered. Then she looked at Brock. “Shoo! Go find that woman you won, you!”
At that, Brock held up his hands and walked out.
Feeling the lightest he’d felt in years.
Chapter Forty-Nine