AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 23 - Maddie: Ultimatum
I watched the elevator numbers rise, as we made our way to the presidential suite. Richard was already there, but I had no idea if my mother was with him.
How had they found out? No one knew I was in Riverroad, and no one in Riverroad apart from a select few knew about Peter. There was no way it could have been Arnie, Danny, or Marcus. Someone else must have leaked the information. But the question was who.
I had been so careful.
I hadn’t let go of Marcus since getting into the car. I knew I was probably gripping onto him a little too tightly, but I needed to use him as my anchor. He probably didn’t even know that he was stabilizing me.
The elevator doors dinged open, revealing the penthouse suite. My father was sitting by the couch with my mother perched next to him. Even from where I stood, I could see the glower on his face.
Marcus and I stepped off the elevator and made our way to where they were. Richard’s eyes were glued onto Marcus with so much disdain. My mother looked between the two of us passively.
Marcus and I came to a halt by the couch and waited.
My father rose from his seat, slowly eyeing Marcus up and down, as he stood to his full height. All he did was stare. My heart hammered in my chest frantically, as I tried to assess how volatile this situation could get.
Marcus cleared his throat and extended his hand. “Marcus Anderson. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Richard just stared at my husband’s hand like it had been dipped in poison. I already knew he didn’t like him, but now seeing how he looked at him, I could tell that he truly hated him.
“So, this is the filth you have chosen to roll around in, Maddison?” He spat not taking his eyes off Marcus. “I cannot believe that you carried my name.”
“Actually, she carries mine now,” Marcus interjected. “Now, how about you sit down, and we can talk over whatever issues you may have…sir.”
“The only issue I have is with you. What poison did you fill her head with that she might choose to connect herself to filth like you? Do you have any idea how much weight her last name carries? By the simple mention of it, doors are opened, and obstacles are moved.” Richard stepped into Marcus’ personal bubble. “Who are you to be connected to so much power?”
“A man who she deemed worthy enough,” Marcus huffed, “now unless you want me to rearrange your face, sir, I suggest to step away.”
Right, this had gone to a new level, and I needed to deescalate the tensions that had formed in the room. I didn’t want anyone hitting anyone.
“Dad, please,” I said, stepping beside both of them. “Can both of you just walk away from this? No one needs to fight.”
“This is a family matter,” Richard addressed Marcus. “Leave.”
“I am her family now. Whatever you want to say to her, you can say to me as well. I am not going anywhere.”
Richard cast a hard look my way, but my mother chose that moment to stand from her seat and finally make herself useful.
“Richard, my love, why don’t we focus on the matter at hand? You going back and forth with this boy will do us no good.”
Richard allowed my mother to pull him back a bit to create the needed room between Marcus and him. I squeezed Marcus’ hand a little tighter trying to communicate with him to be a little calmer.
“You will sell Peter’s land to me, and you will return home where you will be married to Davidson’s son. This mess is still salvageable, and he is willing to turn a blind eye. The rumors will subside as long as no one feeds into them.”
“What?!” Marcus and I said in unison.
“I’m not doing that. Peter left me the land, and I will do with it what I please but I am not selling.” I looked at my mother. “You can’t make him do this to me.”
“It has already been decided, Maddison. This is what is best for the company and you. Did you really think you could run away to some Humpty Dumpty town and make a life there? You were not born for that life.”
“My father lived that life very happily, I might add. I am not selling the land.”
“Then you are cut off. You will be kicked off the board, and I will no longer supply you financially.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “You must be stupid or something, Richard, because you haven’t supplied for me since I was 16. I make my own money aside from the company. In fact, the majority of my money comes from my own investments. Your threat does nothing for me.”
Richard hated being defied, and I was getting under his skin. I could sense it, and I could see it.
