“Dad. James.” My greeting was short, but so was my temper. “I would have met you in the conference room.”
“This shouldn’t take long. James had some pressing concerns about your campaign to change the company’s acquisition procedures.”
“What particular concerns?”
“I want to know about this nonsense idea you have of a ‘gentler approach,’ as you put it.”
I looked between the two men before fixing my gaze on my father. “James, why don’t you get back to work while I speak with my father about your concerns?”
“Don’t be rude, son. He brought this to my attention. He needs to be here.”
“Which is precisely my reason for excusing him from this meeting. He brought his concerns to you instead of directly to me, so I’ll speak to you and you can relay the message.” I nodded to the vice president in dismissal. “James.”
James left without a word, and as soon as the door closed, my father stabbed his finger on top of the desk. “Your behavior is taxing, Dasher. I did not make you head of this company for you to behave like a petulant child.”
“Yet you speak so highly of the man who can’t even speak for himself. Listen well, father. I’m not going to continue to do this job with you breathing down my back and your spies watching my every move. Interfere again, I’ll quit, and you can find yourself another heir.”
“I’ll do no such thing.”
“Why did you give me all this so soon if you don’t trust me to do this job? You must have known I wasn’t ready. I’m fresh out of college.”
“What does age have to do with it? I wasn’t much older than you when I started this company.”
“But how long before you were actually good at it? I only have the skills you hand fed me.”
“Then learn more by listening to James. You cannot simply ignore decades of business practices just because it doesn’t suit you!”
“Your business practices are nothing more than carefully worded threats. Over eighty percent of your acquisitions were hostile. Instead of cultivating relationships, you’re making enemies.”
“We are not in the business of selling dreams, son. We’re conquerors and conquerors do not ask for permission.”
“I don’t want to be a conqueror. I want to be a smart man and smart men know how to pick their battles.”
“And a smart man knows how to pick useful allies. You’re still in contact with Keiran Masters.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve heard you’ve been gallivanting about the city with him again looking for a woman who is not your fiancé.”
“That woman is my friend who was kidnapped from my apartment in broad daylight by very dangerous men. Keiran’s woman is her best friend. Naturally, he offered to help.”
“His kind of help will land you in prison, boy.” His eyes narrowed with scrutiny. “Maybe you do want to marry Rosalyn.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. No man would want to marry Rosalyn.”
“Then sever your relationship with that criminal, and I’ll call off the proposal.”
“No.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m not going to do it. Keiran is more than my friend. He’s my brother. I’m not giving him up because you want to protect your image.”
“It’s about time you found your balls.”
I looked up to find Keiran in the doorway. The dark hoodie he wore over his head mostly obscured his expression so I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
“Son, we’re having a private conversation—”
“That I’m ending now. Father, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Don’t dare dismiss me for him.” I met his glower straight on, unfazed by his anger. “Leave.” After a few more moments of staring, he realized I wasn’t backing down and stood to his feet.
“I will speak to your mother about this.”
“Tell her I said hello.”
The office door slammed to a close. I expected Keiran to say something, but he simply made his way to the couch and slouched with his head against the back of the couch and eyes fixed on the ceiling.
“Something bothering you?”