Page 66 of The Rebel

“I’m looking forward to learning from each of you. And I hope that, in time, you’ll be able to see the value our side will bring to this merger.” She shifted in her seat, a movement that was slow and almost looked like it pained her.

“I believe in our brand. That’s why I sold my business and joined the family company. I believe in the talent of my brothers. I get the impression our similarities are far greater than you think—our drive, our work ethic, our dedication. I see no reason why we can’t all find a common ground.” She offered the smallest hint of a smile. “That’s what I want anyway.”

“Thank you,” Ray said to his daughter.

You have to be fucking kidding me.

There were those words again, repeating non-fucking-stop in my head.

Sure, it was easy for Rowan to believe this—she was new to this world. She hadn’t spent her entire career hating our side, losing deals because of our practices, constantly battling my family.

Peacemaker?

How about fucking liar and manipulator? That was what she was.

“I’ve heard enough for one day,” Brady said when the room had been silent for at least a minute. “Are we done here?”

Jenner and the Coles’ attorney exchanged a look, and then both men glanced toward Ray and Walter.

When they received a nod, Jenner said, “Yes. We’re done.”

The silence was instantly replaced with the sound of chairs moving back and the swishing of suits. There was even a dull chatter as we shuffled into the hallway.

But I didn’t say a goddamn word.

Because anything that came out of my mouth was going to be nothing but hate.

My hands clenched as I walked, my fingers tight in a fist. My weight heavy in my feet every time I stepped.

I needed to get the hell out of this building before I exploded.

It looked like I wasn’t alone in thinking that; the pace while we headed toward the elevator was much faster than when we’d entered. And because the Coles had been the closest to the door, they had fled the conference room first and reached the bank of elevators before us.

Fortunately, there were several, so the Coles and the Spades didn’t have to enter together.

And we didn’t.

My family waited for the one on the right; the Coles stayed to the left.

While we waited, I noticed Rowan from the corner of my eye, briefly saying something to Ridge and then leaving his side to head down a different hallway.

A hallway that would bring her to the restroom, assuming that was where she was going.

I forced myself to look at the doors as they slid open, the left side doing the same, both families beginning to fill the elevators.

I should have been following suit.

I should have moved in right behind Brady, leaning against the back wall, fuming my opinion to my brothers and cousin,ignoring the presence of my uncle, who was endlessly pissing me off.

But I wasn’t.

I was standing feet away, reaching into my pocket to pull out my phone, checking the dark, non-ringing screen prior to holding it to my ear.

I have to take this call, I mouthed to Macon, the only one looking at me. “I’ll meet you downstairs in a second,” I added.

Macon nodded, and the elevator shut.

You have to be fucking kidding me, I thought, except this time it was about myself.

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