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CHAPTER 58
LEO
Leo closed the door behind him and scanned the room. The ten board members were standing or seated around a polished mahogany table that could easily accommodate twenty people. Recessed lighting cast a warm glow over the room. The table held carafes of water and glasses placed on white paper coasters.
His grandfather and Malcolm stood alone at the large windows, turning to Leo when he entered the room. Dark clouds threatening a heavy rainstorm filled the London skyline.
“Ah, Leo. I’m glad you’re here.” Gramps approached Leo and shook his hand.
“He doesn’t belong here,” Malcolm said in a cool voice, pushing away from the window.
His grandfather gave a firm shake of his head. “We’ve been over this, Malcolm. Leo has a seat on the board.”
“He’s never bothered to show up for any board meeting,” Malcolm whined. “Why now?” He took his seat to the right of the head of the table, where his grandfather would sit. Not a surprising power play.
The board members, primarily executives of the company, nodded or gave Leo a wan smile.He knew all their names but had never earned their friendship or loyalty. Before Leo formed his own company, he’d cultivated relationships with Sutton construction crews and had been on a first name basis with every supervisor, foreman, and worker. Most of the men and women in the boardroom were part of Malcolm’s world. How many of them knew about Malcolm’s embezzlement? How many would be happy to see Malcolm leave? And once the truth was revealed, would they accept Leo? He would soon find out.
Leo took a seat in a high-backed, black leather chair next to Stanley Wellman, his father’s banker. Leo sat directly opposite Malcolm.
“Congratulations again on the Walker Foundation Grant,” Stan said, grinning. “And they gave you more than you hoped for. They must have been impressed with your plans.”
“I couldn’t have done it without your help. Thank you.”
“All right, everyone.” His grandfather took his seat at the head of the table. “Let’s get started.”
Leo sat in tense silence as his grandfather moved through the agenda. The last item was to name his father’s successor.
“We’ve reached the end of regular business. It’s been over a year since my son, James, passed. It’s time to name the successor of Sutton Properties,” his grandfather said, his voice heavy with solemnity. Gramps kept his composure, but Leo detected the emotion in saying his son’s name. The room fell silent in remembrance of James Sutton.
His grandfather lifted his head, studying the members, his gaze lingering on Leo a second longer than the others. Strange.
“The nominee to be considered is Malcolm Sutton,” his grandfather said in a somber tone.
“I would also like to be considered as a nominee.” Leo’s voice was fully in control, but his heart hammered in his chest.
All heads snapped to Leo.
“I object,” Malcolm said to his grandfather while keeping an eye on Leo.
“What’s your objection?” His grandfather frowned, his eyes darting to Malcolm.
“Leo doesn’t qualify for the role,” Malcolm scoffed. “He’s a competitor of Sutton Properties.”
“I’m not a competitor. My company has non-profit status.”
Malcolm eyed Leo. “You submitted a bid for the Triton Hotel remodeling project—that makes you a rival of Sutton Properties.”
Murmurs spread around the table.
Leo glanced at Stan because he was the only one who knew Leo had tried to get financing for the Triton job, but Stan shook his head.
Malcolm smirked. “Stavros told me. He enjoyed how you begged for the job, then you withdrew your bid. And now there are rumors your girlfriend—none other than the daughter of our rival—has left you.” He pursed his lips. “Poor Leo.”
Leo glared at Malcolm. He wouldn’t get pulled into this juvenile fight. He didn’t have to. Malcolm had no idea Cassandra was with him again. Knowing she was close by calmed him.
“Enough!” his grandfather said in anger. “None of this is relevant. Do you understand, Malcolm?” he asked, his nostrils flaring.
His grandfather rarely lost his temper. This warning had been given to Malcolm, but Leo would have to be careful not to antagonize his grandfather too.
