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“Edwards, it’s four in the morning?”
“Make it happen, or your job is on the line.”
“But I thought we were waiting until Anton and his group confirmed the merger?”
“You listen to me, Jeff,” I lower my voice, careful not to wake Charlotte. “I want Romano in Lond
on effectively immediately. Either you make that happen this morning, or it’s over for you. Your wife wouldn’t be too pleased that your stepdaughter is sucking your dick every day when she drops off your lunch, now would she?”
Silence falls between us until he releases a sigh. “I’ll draw up the papers.”
I hang up the phone and turn to look at Charlotte, who’s still fast asleep. The street glow filters in the room, enough so that I can admire her silhouette. She’s just as beautiful as the day I fell in love with her, maybe even more so. Charlotte doesn’t deserve this either. I hate seeing my wife so troubled, and for the last few weeks with Amelia ignoring her, I know she was hurt, though she tried to hide it.
But all of this, every emotion we’ve experienced is only because of our love for our daughter.
I stumble out of bed again, wincing as my head spins. With small footsteps, I walk toward Amelia’s room. Slowly, I push the door open and see her asleep in bed.
She looks so innocent and pure like Daddy’s little girl. Memories of her as a child flood my thoughts—her first steps, her first word, and the time she got her driver’s license, just like we always talk about. I was so excited for her, but little did I know that my oldest daughter was growing up.
Then, she got a boyfriend, and Austin was a good kid. He had a steady head on his shoulders and respected my authority.
He’s not a man who fucks women for pleasure, nor uses them as a conquest.
How dare he touch her.
Betray my trust.
Will Romano has no clue who he’s messing with, and in just over a day, he’ll be away from my daughter, out of her life for at least five years.
I’m going to make damn sure it happens, even if it costs me every cent I own.
Thirty-One
Will
The board called an impromptu meeting, the request coming through to my phone at five in the morning.
I didn’t catch a moment of sleep. The last two days have been pure hell.
The moment I left Lex and Amelia in the lobby, I did so to distract Lex from thinking something is going on between Amelia and me. I went back to my office, only to have to deal with Luciana, who witnessed it all. I half expected her to lecture me on dating someone younger, but she simply expressed her sympathy, then left me alone.
Lex never showed up for our meeting, and Amelia disappeared. I tried calling Ava, but she had no clue what was going on. After attempting to call Amelia repeatedly, the calls end up going to voicemail. I sounded like a goddamn maniac.
Andy finally texts me, telling me she’s safe with Charlie but needs some time alone.
Fuck. Charlie came to the city.
Deep inside, I know we’re in troubled waters, that our relationship is about to be tested, and we aren’t the only ones involved. Amelia finally texted me and made it clear that she needed a break from us.
The anger and pain soared through me, even more so because she didn’t respond when I asked her if I was worth the fight.
With only my phone in hand, unshaven with no sleep, I slip into the boardroom to see my entire executive team at the table. I sit at my usual spot before everyone straightens their posture when the king himself walks in.
I lower my head, refusing to give him any respect, directing my attention to Jeff, who calls the meeting to begin.
“Let’s make this quick since this meeting wasn’t planned for today,” he begins, sliding a piece of paper in front of me. “We need you in London, now. All shareholders in our newly purchased European division have signed on the proviso that you’re stationed in London effective Monday of next week. You’ll need to leave tomorrow.”
My jaw begins to ache, my teeth pressing down hard, causing a shooting pain up the side of my face. The conditions on the contract jumble my mind, not able to comprehend. All I can compute is the five-year lease on the building and penthouse in which I’m expected to reside.
