Page 34 of The Billionaire Babe

“And in return?” George asks, deep in thought.

“They invest, Whiteman’s will get naming rights of the bar area, as well as exclusive whiskey supplier across our hospitality businesses, and we retain complete control, keeping us majority shareholder.” My smile widens as he looks at me in wonder. I have been on the phone all week, but I managed to get verbal agreements from everyone on this, and I am proud to have gotten that far.

“Well, my dear, your mother would be smiling about now.” His eyes become glassy.

“We just need to get it past my father…” I murmur, and George takes a big breath as his lips thin. “Why is my father so adamant about Montana?” I ask, knowing there has to be more.

“Ownership. If he purchases this area, then he will own a large portion of the town and outskirts. Then the governor will be in our pocket,” George highlights.

“Why does he want the governor?” My eyes thin, hating the sound of this entirely.

“Because the Rothschilds have solid political connections, so he wants Van Cleef to as well,” George says, his jaw set.

“You cannot be serious? He is investing in a business decision, not based on strategy, financial outcome, or community benefit, but because he wants the same connections as the Rothschilds?” I say the words that seem so crazy, yet I already know they are true.

“Your father always wanted to be bigger, better, have more, look smarter, be more popular…” George says.

“That doesn’t sound ethical at all,” I quip.

“Where your father’s concerned, nothing ever is,” George comments, and I swallow, finally seeing it all now. I take a breath and ask the question that plays on my mind.

“Why is he the CEO, then?” Over the years, I haven’t been privy to all of my father’s decisions, and I have come to the conclusion that he, no doubt, is unethical and borderline almost criminal in some of his decisions. Ever since my mom died, his standards and his ethics have completely been erased. I ignored it before, because I always thought that my ascension into the CEO position would happen naturally and that I could fix everything when I was in the role. But now that he wants me to marry and get out of the business, I need to make the moves myself.

“Who else?” he asks, eyeing me suspiciously. We have talked briefly, but I haven’t gone over my entire plan with him yet.

“Me,” I say firmly, and he looks at me. “I’m ready. I have attended every board meeting for the last two years. I have worked in every department. I know everyone in this building from you, as our VP, through to David in the mailroom and Theresa who delivers our catering. I know our profit and loss for the past three years. I am aware of everything we do in this business.” Nervous voicing my idea, the words rush out of me.

“Your father always said you weren’t interested. Said you prefer fashion and shopping, not the business,” George says, sitting forward.

“My father is a liar.” George nods in understanding. Sure, I love fashion. I like to have nice clothes; I enjoy wearing designers, but being a fashion influencer is not my job, merely a hobby when I have the time.

“Your mom would be proud of the woman you have become,” George says, and the air leaves my lungs momentarily. I swallow down the tears that sting my eyes because that’s what I want.

“But my father is not.” The familiar feeling of anxiety and dread settles in my stomach.

“With all due respect, your father is an asshole,” he says, and I huff a laugh.

“So do I have your support?” I ask, looking at him, waiting on edge to hear the words that could either make or break my future.

“To be CEO? To overthrow your father?” he clarifies, because that is exactly what we are talking about. He gives nothing away as he watches me. I nod, waiting for his answer.

A broad smile spreads across his face. “I have been waiting for this day since the moment you were born.” My grin widens, matching his.

“Let’s put together a plan, because he is not going down without a fight,” George says, sitting forward, and I swallow harshly, my anxiety growing, yet I know this is what needs to be done.

After George and I strategize for another hour, I feel renewed as I walk to my office, excited about the plan going forward and George's help. I know the business development team likes my ideas; I have worked in the legal team for years, so they all know me well, and I wasn’t lying to George when I said I know every staff member here in our office. All 256 of them.

“Valerie!” my father’s voice barks at me, and I stop short, heart thumping. It shouldn't be like this. I shouldn’t experience immediate fear as soon as my father calls my name. I turn to face him, and as I do, I plaster on the fake smile I have mastered over the years. I need to remain innocent and appear as though I am doing what he asks. He can’t know my plan to overthrow him until I need him to.

“My office. Now!” I jump slightly at his tone as I watch him turn and walk into his office, not even waiting to see if I follow his command, because he knows I will. I always do. I balk for a moment, wondering what it would be like to walk in the other direction. I imagine him sitting at his desk waiting and then the anger that would overtake him knowing that I wasn’t coming. But we are at the office, his assistant is watching, and those nearby heard his command. I give them all a small smile that I know doesn’t reassure them at all, and they all look at me with a healthy mix of nerves and pity. I never noticed it before, but that is exactly what it is. I roll my shoulders back and strut to his office. If I am going to be CEO, I need to get used to uncomfortable conversations, and my father’s office provides a perfect training ground.

As I walk in, he isn’t looking at me, but he barks, “Close the door.”

I do as he commands and close the door, standing in front of it, waiting.

“What in the world do you think you are playing at?” he seethes, and my muscles tense. I only just talked with George, so surely he didn’t say anything.

“I have no idea what you mean.” I feign confusion.

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