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Richard didn’t respond to his excuse because they both knew it was a lie. “You and I have a bit of a problem.”
“How so?”
“You know my baby girl, Matt. When she has her heart set on something, she doesn’t let it go.”
Matt rubbed his temple wearily. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest that Richard’s life might be easier now if he’d done a better job of child-rearing, but he managed to refrain, not willing to burn his bridge with the man quite that completely.
Regardless, Matt suspected irrevocable harm to their business association was inevitable if Patricia didn’t back down.
“I’m not sure what that has to do with me,” Matt said.
“Matt,” Richard said in a don’t bullshit a bullshitter tone. “Patricia has expressed her interest in marrying you, and to be honest, I think she’s made some very good points about why this would be an advantageous match. In the past, I’ve given my daughter a lot of leeway when it comes to her romantic attachments, taking a backseat as she searched for a life partner, but if I’m being honest, I never cared for any of her fiancés. None of them were good enough for her, not enough drive or ambition. None of them were on the same level you and I are. I’m certain those other men looked at my daughter and saw the fortune rather than the woman. I know you don’t have children, but trust me when I say, no man wants that for his little girl.”
The more Richard talked, the more obvious it became that Patricia hadn’t spelled out everything she’d offered Matt along with the marriage.
Like the infidelity hall pass.
Patricia wanted his name and his money, not his love. Matt wondered if filling in that blank for Richard would make a difference, then he realized…it wouldn’t. Patricia pointed at something, said “I want it now” in her best Veruca Salt voice, and Richard pulled out his Amex.
“I’m sure you don’t want that for your daughter. But as I’ve already expressed to Patricia—several times—I have no interest in getting married…to anyone,” he forced himself to add, though it suddenly dawned on him that statement was no longer accurate. Because he could very much see himself married to Liza, a realization that wasn’t as terrifying as he would have expected.
Richard dismissed that assertion by ignoring it. “You and I are businessmen, first and foremost, which means you’ll understand when I say there is always a bottom line. So let’s get down to it. I recall you mentioning once that you were interested in Russo Enterprises branching out into the casino/resort line of business.”
Matt had made that comment when he was younger, just starting out at Russo Enterprises. Richard had discouraged the idea, claiming a good future CEO should know not to spread the company business too thin. He’d then offered unsolicited advice, telling Matt it was better to stick to the Russo brands, the companies they were already invested in, and grow them.
Matt had seen through the so-called words of wisdom, understanding that Richard felt threatened by potential competition. He’d let the idea go, however, because Dad hadn’t been interested in stepping on his country club buddy’s toes. Dad told Matt the best way to remain on top was to stay in his lane and keep his enemies close.
“That was a long time ago,” Matt reminded Richard.
“You assumed leadership of Russo Enterprises at a young age, but you’ve stepped in and filled the large shoes left behind by your father. You should be proud of that.”
Matt swallowed the bile clogging his throat as Eddington compared him to his dad.
“I’ve been very impressed with your tenacity and work ethic. The truth is, I’m not getting any younger, Matt. Patricia is my only child, and sadly, she’s never expressed any interest in taking over the family business.”
Matt wasn’t stupid enough to fall for that crap. He’d sipped one too many bourbons in the company of Richard Eddington not to know the man was the world’s biggest misogynist. He’d never encouraged his daughter to do anything more than smile, look pretty in her designer clothing, and follow in her mother’s socialite footsteps, which essentially meant she should be the perfect Stepford Wife.
However, Richard’s comments were enlightening, and now Matt couldn’t help but wonder if Patricia had thrown back the first four fiancés…or if it had been Richard who’d suggested she look higher up on the food chain.
“Russo Enterprises keeps me very busy,” Matt started.
“I’m sure it does, but you also have two brothers to help you, both of whom are capable of taking on additional responsibilities should you acquire more.”
Again with that fucking word. The Eddingtons loved the word more as much as they detested the word no.
“I’m not sure either of them is interested in expanding upon their roles here. They’re busy with their own interests.”
“Not even if it meant acquiring Edgewood Resorts and Casinos?”
Matt fell silent. Not because he was considering the offer but because he was so shocked by it. Edgewood was the flagship brand of the Eddington Group, which was the second-largest hotel chain after Hilton. Under that same umbrella, the Edgewood brand included a large string of casinos up and down the East Coast.
“I can tell I’ve piqued your interest,” Richard said smugly.
Matt had let the silence drift too long. “I think it’s safer to say you caught me by surprise.”
“If you consent to marry Patricia, Edgewood is yours. Then, after the birth of each of your children, I’ll gift you another chain. With your marriage, the Eddington Group would belong to you and Patricia, as well as your heirs, and this gives me a way to slowly retire, confident that the company I’ve dedicated my life to building is in good hands.”
Matt rolled his eyes, grateful this wasn’t a video call. Richard Eddington had inherited everything he owned. The company had continued to grow thanks to a competent board, who operated without the man’s guidance. Richard preferred to spend most of his days on the golf course in warm weather and skiing in Aspen and Switzerland during the winter months.
