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He was not going to let the naysayers or future haters stop him from doing what he had to do.
That was the burning passion behind his programs to create more jobs, heck, he even invented jobs so that every student who passed his program had gainful employment, well-paying jobs. Because jobs meant stability. And stability meant no one’s family had to suffer—the way he and his brothers did before they’d become so rich and powerful that they became the city’s most hated targets of luxury.
“Listen, I’d better leave you two right now.” Carl rose from his chair and touched his brother’s shoulder as a sign of solidarity before walking out of the study.
Toni turned to face Zack. “Zack. You know I love you, grandson.”
“Yeah. I’m just glad you don’t hate me or I’d be dead right now with all that verbal lashing.”
In spite of himself, his grandfather broke into a smile and Zack grinned slightly. He was still agitated as hell at all that was happening when he should be focusing on the tour later today and the National Winery Awards.
“I’m glad to see you still have your sense of humor about it all. It would kill me if that…tape ever got out. Is there any way…?”
“Granddad, I already told you. I’m not negotiating with an extortionist. Period. If she wants to play hard ball, that’s in her court. But she will pay the consequences, and I doubt she’d get rich out of a reality show from that either.”
His grandfather grinned again. “Zack, I really hope so, for your sake.”
“Now what’s that supposed to mean?”
Toni sighed heavily. He looked at the fireplace and lifted his chin. Tears were moistening his eyes. “Zack, this is very hard for me but I have no choice.”
“What are you talking about, Grandfather?”
Toni shook his head, full of remorse. “Zack, I’ve already told you boys. I’m an old man. I don’t know how long I’ll be around. Or how much longer, I should say.” He coughed. “I just want you all to take things seriously. You’ve each come into your own, making valuable contributions. Lucas with his Healthy Start Software Program; Antonio with his real estate ventures. And what you’ve done with this vineyard. You’ve pretty much grown it over the past decade to what it is today. Remarkable!”
“But?”
“But you will lose it all if you don’t get serious about your private life.”
“Grandfather, let me handle my private life.”
“Good. Now that’s the most sensible thing I’ve heard all day.”
“I don’t get it. Where are you going with this, Grandfather?”
“I’m giving you an ultimatum.”
“An ultimatum? What ultimatum? Why?” Zack didn’t like the way this sounded. His hot defences shot up now and the heat in his blood was burning inside his veins. Zack was a healthy man. He and his brothers worked out hard at the gym, religiously. They took nothing for granted. They were fit as mountain lions, yet a sick feeling settled in his gut about what his grandfather was implying.
“Zack, I want you to settle down or leave the company.”
“What?” Zack stood to full height, his eyes filled with rage. “What’s that supposed to mean? You want me to get hitched to keep my position?”
“Not exactly. I just don’t want you having any more of these types of adventures with women unless it is the one you want to settle down with. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. I don’t mean to get into your personal life—"
“Too late for that!”
Toni held up his hand to silence Zack. “Zack, please allow me to finish. I’m only asking that you focus more on your business and what you are contributing to these wonderful programs that you have and less on…dating. No sex for at least thirty days. Just keep away from these women you meet.”
“What?” Zack could not believe his ears. For the first time, his lobes burned as if ice frost had bitten them. “No sex?” Zack chuckled humorlessly in spite of himself. “You’re telling me when I can be with a woman? This is ridiculous!” Zack began to pace as he fumed.
