AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I did. I paid a bit over the asking price, but it will be worth it.”
“Why didn't you consult me before making that decision?” He sounds irritated and gruff.
I sigh. “Because I'm running the company now. It's a solid investment that aligns with my vision for the future.” My voice rises involuntarily, and my throat constricts in anger. “You were the one who asked me to take over the business in the first place, now let me run it my way,” I retort.
“Like I had anyone else to leave it to.”
His words sting, and my head buzzes.
I wish I had a sibling to share this burden with.
“I'm trying to ensure the company I built doesn't fail,” he continues.
The driver pulls up to the curb in front of my building, exiting the vehicle to grant me privacy for the remainder of the conversation.
“Look, Dad, I have to go. I'm taking Addison out for her birthday.” I listen to him complain further about my impulsive decisions while I observe the physical reactions his rant causes in my body. Constricted throat, humming in my gut, a twitch in my leg. It’s a sure trick to gain distance from a situation and maintain composure. Eventually, my body’s sensations subside, and my father runs out of steam. He bids me goodbye.
I hang up and sit there for a few minutes. I truly wish he had given me a sibling, someone else to shoulder this burden with. I only agreed to lead the company out of guilt as his sole heir. While I strive to make him proud, our visions are not aligned. Even worse, the board is made up of people still living and breathing the twentieth century. They are more of a nuisance than a help.
I wish they could see the positive impact my changes will make.
I also wish I didn’t have to do what I’m about to do to them.
Irritated, I swipe the thoughts of work from my mind.
This is Addison’s time.
CHAPTER5
ANA
As I walk away,I feel his gaze fixed on me, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand up and my legs to wobble. I reach the end of the block and slip inside a quaint bookstore.
I call my attorney, who confirms that the paperwork he already received from the Sanders party is in order. They seem to be in a rush. Perhaps I could have negotiated an even better price. But a hundred thousand above asking is not shabby. It will allow me to pay off all the loans and give me a head start for my next business endeavor.
“The meeting with Sanders’ lawyers is scheduled for ten tomorrow morning,” I tell him.
He assures me he'll review whatever they send over later tonight or in the morning.
After we conclude the call, I continue browsing the store for a while longer before it's time to meet up with Race.
My irritation lingers though. Not only because I had to sell my building and Sanders had the means to buy it, but also because I couldn’t help blushing under his ravenous, hypnotizing gaze.
Oh, if only I could have kicked him in the kneecaps!
I try to ignore the molten hot need between my legs to no avail.
But I suppose I should be grateful. I got more than I expected, and the money will come in handy for whatever I decide to do next. All things considered, it couldn't have gone better.
I hop into a cab and text Race that I'm on my way, then I lean back and relax. It's been an intense day, and I'm ready to unwind. The car pulls up to Harry's bar, and I step out. The sun has set, but the evening air remains warm. Taking a moment to inhale deeply and compose myself, I head inside. Race is at the bar, and he gestures to a table in the back. I remove my jacket while he fetches our drinks.
Leaning in, he exclaims joyfully, “I might have a date later this week.” He casually shifts his gaze toward his love interest, a dark and lanky man sitting at the bar who waves and smiles at us. I nod my approval and take a long sip of my dirty martini, realizing how much I needed this drink.
“How did it go today?” Race asks, setting his Long Island down.
“You will never guess who the buyer is,” I tell him, still not grasping it myself.
His eyes widen, and he shakes his head, anticipating the answer before I say it.
