Page 58 of The Rebel

Walter took a seat at the head, and Jenner took the foot, a pile of folders in both of their hands that they placed in front of them.

“Tell me we’re in escrow,” Brady declared. “That within thirty days, Lake Louise will be ours.”

Walter gradually looked around the table, connecting eyes with each of us before he focused solely on Jenner. “We’re in escrow, yes.”

I released a mouthful of air I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Finally.”

“Don’t get excited,” Walter said. “It’s not exactly the deal you had in mind, Cooper.”

“What are you talking about?” I said.

Walter’s pose was relaxed, especially as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his hands. “Let’s get right to it.” He cleared his throat. “You know that I’ve been waiting for the right time to retire. For as long as I can remember, I thought that would be at a certain age. That I’d reach a milestone and be ready to hand over the throne.”

As he looked at Jenner, my heart began to pound. He’d teased us with the wordretirementbefore, but we’d never been given a date. A time frame. Or even a hint that he was moving forward with it.

“But as that age came and went, the urge wasn’t there. I’d then set another deadline, and I’d blow right through it. It took me some time to realize it wasn’t about an age, it was about leaving a legacy to my heirs.”

“And it’s quite a legacy,” Macon said. “Now that we have Hawaii and it sounds like Lake Louise is in the bag, we have some of the most exclusive resorts in North America andEurope. We’ve changed the landscape of what luxurious hotels look like, and that’s all because of your vision, Walter.”

“But it’s not enough.” Walter’s voice was sharp. “I’ve wanted more—you all know that. We’ve fought for more. We’ve gotten tips and pocket listings. We’ve been alerted when other hotels are selling, giving us the option to buy them and turn them into our own.” He shook his head. “And still, more times than not, we end up with nothing.”

“That’s the nature of the market,” I offered. “Just like residential real estate. You win some, you lose some.”

Walter’s gaze intensified on mine. “We both know that’s not the case here. There’s a clear reason why those properties didn’t become ours.”

I nodded.

Because he was right.

And everyone at this table knew what that reason was.

“I’ve been thinking long and hard about the future of Spade Hotels,” Walter continued. “How I can grow this company and hand you a fleet that’s far larger than what exists now.”

I didn’t know why, but there was an ache that followed every pound in my chest.

Something was off about this conversation, and I couldn’t put my fucking finger on it.

“I’ve come to a conclusion.” Walter’s voice echoed throughout the entire room. “I’ve slept on it. I’ve discussed the ramifications with Jenner and our in-house accounting team. I’ve weighed the pros and cons. For the last week, I’ve done nothing but think about that conclusion, and I’m happy to tell you all, it’s settled.” He paused. “I have no doubt that it’s the right decision.” He gazed around the table. “For all of us.” He set his hands on top of the folders. “This will be my final legacy, and once it’s complete”—he tapped the folders—“this is the paperwork that will make the four of you equal partners,solidifying my retirement and handing Spade Hotels over to you.”

My mind was exploding with questions.

But more importantly, with plans.

Spade Hotels was officially going to become ours. The four of us would be partners with equal shares—something we’d talked about for as long as I could remember.

We’d finally get to do everything we’d always dreamed of.

Except there was abut.

“What’s your final legacy?” Brady asked.

The room turned silent, and I stole a quick glance at Jo.

She’d been quiet since her father had walked into the room. She’d made no comments and asked no questions.

Which told me that whatever news he was about to drop on us, she already knew.

Her arms were crossed over her chest, a chest that was rising and falling much faster than normal.

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