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JoeMaxwellinterrupted our family time, the limited amount we had left withPapa, demanding an audience, yet he didn’t do his homework or bother to learn our names.Althoughthis board never did a round of introductions before, they extended an olive branch.Insteadof taking it, he dared to insult them.Theboard members took the initiative to learn about him and his rotten family.Itwas evidentJoedidn’t know how to conduct himself professionally.Theconcerns voiced before this meeting were correct.Theman was brash, disrespectful, and unprofessional.
Soniastraightened.Shewas a larger woman with broad shoulders and thick glasses perched atop her nose.Icould tell she wasn’t impressed, but she repressed her disdain with a plastic smile. “I’mafraid my cousin is unable to join us.”Shegestured to the setup across from her. “Ifyou would kindly take a seat, we can start?—"
“Unableto join us?”JoeMaxwellbellowed, extracting a couple of gasps from the room.
“Shh,”HenryhushedJoeout of the corner of his mouth.Henry’ssons exchanged a peeved look whileCaledonappeared bored.
Damonattempted to de-escalate the situation. “Whydon’t we do the demo?I’msure the board can catchMr.Ambaniup.”
“Thedemo won’t make sense if it has to be explained,”Joesnapped.
Momtook charge of the situation.Theinconspicuous way she brought her fingertips to her ear indicatedPapawas speaking to her.Asshe seldom contributed during these meetings, her voice commanded attention on the rare occasions she used it. “Mr.Maxwell,Imust apologize for the change of plans.Myhusband is feeling a little under the weather, but he sent me in his place?—”
“I’mnot discussing this with you.”Joe’sface twisted as ifMomwere an annoying pest.
Theplastered smile onMom’sface didn’t waver. “Withall due respect, you don’t have to speak at all.”Shetilted her head towardDamonMaxwell. “Givenit’sDamon’sproduct that we want to discuss.”
Theslightest hint of a smile grazedDamon’slips atMom’sboldness.Iwas also impressed by how she handledJoe, ears perking curiously to hearDamon’spitch.Considereda tech genius,Damonhad already invented numerous algorithms and improved old software.Iwas impressed by his remarkable accomplishments.Generally,Ipreferred to sail under the radar.Foronce,Iwanted someone’s attention and willedDamonto look at me.Iwanted to study his expressions.
Damonnever looked my way or gave me a second thought.
“Whatdo you say, young man?”MomaddressedDamondirectly. “Myhusband tells me you’re a rising star.Ican’t wait to see this groundbreaking algorithm.Wouldyou like to show it to us?”
Onenod fromMom, andIwas on my feet.Istood beside the laptopIhad set up earlier and straightened the projector.Presumably,Damonbrought aUSBdrive for the demonstration.
“Ofcourse.”Damondidn’t hesitate, wisely bypassingJoeand redirecting us to safer grounds.
JoeMaxwelldidn’t take kindly to being dismissed, given that he organized this meeting.Heplaced a hand onDamon’sshoulder. “Myson’s not showing you anything unless we receive an explanation whyMr.Ambanidragged us toSingaporeonly to stand us up.”
Itwas subtle, butIcaughtDamon’sirritation at his father’s antics.
Momremained unruffled byJoe’shostility. “AsIexplained,Mr.Maxwell, my husband’s health took an unexpected turn.”
“Wehopped two continents to meet him on this yacht, and you’re telling me that he is so sick he can’t take five steps out of his bedroom?”
Mycousins exchanged looks, the same ones my aunts and uncles shared.
“Jaydidn’t intentionally fall ill to offend you, andIassure you thatI’mperfectly capable of speaking on his behalf.Ican help you?—”
“Youaren’t theCEO,” he spat. “Youcan’t fucking help me, butI’msure you know how to fuck.”
Theprofanity elicited another gasp from around the room.Inthe face of utter catastrophe,JoeMaxwellunraveled.
Heturned to the board, voice filled with malice. “Didyou all know your fearless leader’s wife has been stepping out on him for years?”Hepointed a finger at me. “That’snot evenAmbani’sreal daughter.”Theblood drained fromJoe’sface as soon as the words were out of his mouth.Regretand mortification were etched in his expressions, but it was too late.
Tensioncrackled in the room asHenrystood frozen in shock.Hissons averted their eyes, suddenly interested in something on the ground.Caledonrolled his eyes, thoughMomremained unfazed.Damon’sattention was finally on me.Hisgaze bore into me, calculating my reaction.
Ittook a monumental effort to keep my expression neutral and the churning nausea at bay.Joe’saccusations could ruin everythingIworked so hard to maintain.
Itwas possibleJoewas disappointed byPapa’sabsence and, in an emotional state, made a baseless accusation aboutMom.Buthow could he have known thatJayAmbaniwasn’t my biological father?Myparents worked tirelessly to keep my lineage a secret.Iwouldn’t be allowed to take over forPapaotherwise.Joe’saccusation hit too close to home to be a coincidence.
Thankfully, my parents were the pillars of the perfect marriage.Noone believedJoe’saccusations.YashandShitalquickly defended my mother, their faces flushed with anger.
“Howdare you?”Yashwas the first to speak.
“Doyou have any idea who you’re speaking to?”Shitaljoined in. “ThisisJayAmbani’swife.”
“Youharass us for a meeting, then insult our family,”Nickchimed in. “Youeven bad-mouthed a child.Haveyou no shame?”
