She folded her hands on the table. “Well, I’m not interested in coming back to the business.”
She swallowed the rest of her wine. Before she got the chance to flee, her mother said, “You have a responsibility to the family’s company name. You will take the position—or else.”
Holly wanted to scream with frustration but held it together, surprised at how calm her voice sounded when she said, “Or else what?”
“Your father and I have agreed that if you can’t respect us and our wishes, you’ll be disinherited. The stocks in the company. The money. You will not get a cent.” Her mother’s chin lifted and Holly could have sworn for a second, a tiny smile tugged at her lips. Did she get enjoyment in trying to control her daughter’s life?
Holly swung her head to stare at her father, his attention was in the bottom of his wine glass. “Is that true? You’ll go through with it, if I don’t work for the company?”
“Yes, we will,” her mother answered for him. “It’s a requirement for you to receive your share.”
“And you can’t change that? Or you don’t want to?”
“It won’t be changed.”
Her father coughed in his hand again obviously uncomfortable with the conversation.
Through this painful exchange, her father kept quiet. It wasn’t both of them telling her what to do. Her mother ruled the company and the family. He didn’t get a say or speak up to defend his daughter. Disappointment washed over her.
“Well, I hope Ruth and all your dogs enjoy your money.” She took the napkin off her lap and slapped it on the table.
Her mother’s chuckle was sharp. “You rely on our money too much to refuse.”
“Maybe I did once. Not anymore.”
“Your makeupjobwon’t support you,” she scoffed.
“You’re right, it won’t because I got fired. I’m now working part-time in a café, renting a one room, shabby apartment and I’ve never been happier.”
Her mother’s mouth dropped open then her lips slammed into a thin line. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, I am. I only wish I’d left for Sydney sooner.” She rose. “Thanks for dinner.”
“You won’t walk away from millions of dollars,” her mother spat.
“Watch me.” And she sailed out of the room with her head held high, feeling free for the first time in her life.
Chapter 26
Ethan received a text from Holly telling him she was meeting with her parents and wouldn’t see him until the next day. From what she’d told him about them, he couldn’t image spending a couple of hours together would be pleasant. He hoped she’d be okay.
He used the free evening to visit his sister.
When Chloe opened the front door, she frowned at him. “You stuffed up the meeting with Jerry, didn’t you?” She sighed heavily. “He’ll think I’m useless and never trust me again.” She spun on her heels and left him standing at the threshold. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him. “I knew I shouldn’t work with family,” she said over her shoulder.
In the kitchen, Chloe pulled two glasses and a bottle of red wine from a cupboard and poured them both a generous amount. She took a deep drink, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and said, “What’d you do to stuff it up?”
“What makes you think I did?” He blinked with surprise at her assumption.
She pointed a finger toward his face and made a circling gesture. “That’s the expression of an actor who didn’t land the job of his dreams.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. The smartass thinks she knows everything. “I got the job. Jerry loved me.” He didn’t actually think the man would ever say those words to another man. Chloe didn’t need to know that.
She rose an eyebrow. “So, why do you look like someone’s died?”
“He wants me to date the leading actress to generate publicity.” He picked up the wine glass and swirled the burgundy liquid, imaging it in a plastic cup. Like the way Holly served it on the rocky ledge overlooking the harbour. Then put it down again without taking a sip.
“What’s the prob—oh…” She smiled. “Holly. You reallydolike her.”
