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“More like, you’re setting us up for a fight with all these new entrants,” Knox mutters under his breath.
“And where is this long-lost uncle?” I ask slowly.
“I haven’t been able to track him down. Maybe, he wants to stay hidden.” Arthur pats Tiny’s giant head.
“Maybe heshouldstay hidden.” A nerve throbs at Knox’s temple. “You expect us to accommodate yet another relation—no offense, Edward—”
“None taken.” I shrug.
“— and slice up the family fortune because you’ve decided to make up for your sins in your old age?”
There’s silence, then Arthur blows out a breath. “I understand how difficult all of this must be for you, especially when you were groomed to be my heir-apparent. Your father was a loser. The only good thing he did was sire you boys. I thought long and hard before bringing in first, Edward and now, Nathan, but it’s for your own good, Knox.”
Knox snorts.
“You’re not made to be the CEO. Yet,” Arthur declares.
Knox’s jaw tics. “Don’t hold back, Gramps,” he growls.
Arthur holds up his hands. “I know, you’re upset. But I promise you, when you look back, you’ll understand it was for your own good.”
“That’s what they always say,” Knox says in a bitter voice.
“You’ll still be on the board of directors and lead on one of the smaller companies—”
“I just won't be CEO,” Knox snaps.
“You’ll never lack for money,” Arthur points out.
“I just won't have the power.” The tendons of Knox’s throat bunch.
“I’ve given you a foothold in the company. When you prove yourself, you can climb the ladder like everyone else. There’s nothing keeping you from staking a claim to be the CEO.”
Knox stares at him steadily, “And he has the experience I lack? That’s what you’re trying to say, aren’t you?”
Arthur lowers his chin to his chest. When he speaks, it’s in a matter-of-fact tone, “Edward’s had a few knocks in life, enough to make him worldly-wise. Nathan joined the navy and has been posted all over the world. He has experience making decisions involving the lives of people.”
"Navy, huh?" Knox glares at the new guy.
Nathan tilts his head.
Arthur looks between us. "I realized it wasn’t fair that I put the entire burden of leading the company on Edward, given he’s just gotten married."
Motherfucker.The old man asked me to marry in order to ensure my inheritance. Now, he’s using it as an excuse to hold it back from me, as well. I thought he was canny…but he’s positively Machiavellian.
Arthur’s features are all innocent as he turns to Knox. "I don’t have much time left—"
Knox makes a rude noise, which all of us ignore.
"—and when your grandmother died, she left me information on not only how to track down Edward, but also Nathan."
"And you didn’t think it important to mention it to me?" I ask mildly.
"It came as a surprise to me, too. I only found out a few days ago," Nathan offers.
Arthur pretends to be hurt. "I hope you boys are not going to gang up on me. I merely want what’s best for the family, and for the empireIhave built from scratch."
No missing the emphasis on the 'I' there.
