Page 10 of Forbidden Game

“I did.”

“And your thoughts?”

“That they were just that, stories.” I make sure to keep my tone neutral and light.

He hums, taking a sip of champagne.

“I’m afraid they’re not. Alas, I’m not pleased with how the information was leaked, and that is another issue I’m dealing with. Nonetheless, we must have a conversation regarding your inheritance.”

I feel like throwing up.

“I don’t understand. Why?”

“Because the circumstances have changed.”

“Changed, how?”

“Your career is no longer anonymous.”

“There are no rules to my inheritance. There’s no stipulation that my career must stay anonymous. That choice is and was entirely up to me.”

“True. However, you did not consult me before you decided to make your career so…public.” He frowns, and I can’t help but avert my gaze briefly.

Guilt prickles my neck. It always does when I think back to three months ago.

I was so excited to come clean, to tell the world that EnglishCoffee was Parker Covington. That the rich party boy who everyone thought was neglecting his familial duties is actually one of the most successful video game streamers of this generation. That I am one of the top speedrunners and have people who look up to me as the goal of what to achieve.

I was the one who came up with the idea to reveal our identities to the world, and I was the one who convinced Aleks and Jackson that it was the best course of action. Even though, deep down, it was for my own benefit.

I know I can be the best, but I couldn’t do that if I kept to the shadows as a faceless gamer. There were so many opportunities slipping by because of the masks we wore.

“There were circumstances that made it necessary,” I tell my grandfather, fully knowing he was aware of the blackmail situation. “Plus, it has created additional opportunities that will lead to higher success. Our income has almost doubled in the past twelve weeks, and we don’t expect a plateau anytime soon based on the trajectory.” I try speaking to his business eye, focusing on the profitability over anything else.

“That is true. However, your decision caused some wrinkles within the company. Stakeholders are worried that you are forfeiting your place as heir, and there is a power play stirring that I am not entirely happy with. Martin Jones is barking at my heels again like a damn yippy dog.”

A part of me wants to ask why they even care. What difference does it make whether I step into the family business or not?

But that’s just me being childish because I know the answer. I was raised in this family, and I’ve been part of the business since I was a child. I know that, despite the iron fist my father and grandfather rule Covington Hotels with, there are some people under them who wish to rise to a greater role. A role that will always be barred from them because of me.

“So, what do you need from me?”

“Ideally, I would need you to confirm your place as heir and start work at the company within the year.”

The nausea increases, and the champagne turns sour.

“But I don’t want that.”

“I know,” he sighs.

“If you need a Covington heir, why not just make it Phoebe? She’s already been with the company for six years, and she’s done wonders. I’ve heard the rumors about her taking on the CFO position before the next fiscal year ends. It wouldn’t be hard to transition her to CEO one day.”

“I’ve considered it. Your sister, for as whip smart as she may be, is a bit, how should I put this,” he rolls his wrist, “brisk.”

I snort in response.

My two sisters are night and day in personality. Paige is the middle child and sweet as flowers. Unless you get her in the court room; then she’ll pull out the trusted Covington iron fist to win for her clients. Phoebe, however, is an acquired taste. She’s blunt and crass to a fault, but her loyalty is like no other. If you need something to get done, Phoebe will find a way, no matter the cost. Even I don’t question her methods, lest it be the day I get questioned by MI6. People are scared of her more than they like her.

“A CEO doesn’t need to be likeable.”

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