Page 119 of Succumbed

“I’ve seen the reports. Everything looks to be in order.”

I turn to him, eyebrows raised. “You’ve seen the reports?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I’m on Greenstar’s board. They’re not a P&L client. Where did you even get access?”

He sniffs. “Don’t question me, boy. I have my ways.”

I rack my brain, trying to connect the dots. My father is, and always has been, overly involved in every move I make at P&L. Part of the reason I was so keen to join Greenstar’s board was the opportunity to do something on my own.

“Ugh, it’s painful watching you attempt to figure it out,” he grumbles. “Your incompetence yet again makes me wish Alexandra had been born male.”

“Is she immaterial or your preferred heir, Father? Pick your position before I get whiplash.” Scowling, I sit roughly in the chair opposite him, kicking my legs out in a sprawl.

“Stop acting like a child, Nathaniel. I know one of the other board members, and I suggested he nominate you for their open seat.”

I squint. “Cooper?”

He tips his glass toward me with an exasperated huff. “In exchange, he keeps me informed.”

“In exchange for what?”

“My business dealings are none of your concern.”

“But mine are yours?” I snarl.

He stands, ruddy cheeks shaking as he storms toward me. “You are nothing without me, Nathaniel! I’ve made you, given you a career! You owe me everything and you’d be wise to remember that.”

Seething, I look away, dismissing him. I’ve heard it all before. We have the same conversation every time we see each other.

“Don’t push this thing with Greenstar, boy. The deal is done and you need to let it be. That’s an order.”

“Father, I can’t just–”

“You can and you will!” he roars, spittle flying.

Disgusted, I slam my tumbler down on the side table so hard the glass cracks. Reginald sputters, stepping back as I surge to my feet.

“I may be your son,” I growl, “but I am not your whipping boy or your fall guy. Not anymore. I’ll make my own decision on this. Your input is neither required nor welcome.”

“You listen here, you–”

“No!” I bark, turning my back on him. “I’m done listening.”

“Don’t be stupid, Nathaniel.”

Ignoring his final volley, I storm from the room. My father raised me to listen and obey, to value money and success over all else. The Livingston name and the legacy he’d built at Price & Livingston Financial were to be revered and protected at all costs. For decades, I’d fallen in line. I’d played his game, pleased with the rewards: a successful career and the style of living most people could only dream of. From the outside looking in, I had everything. Or so I thought.

Being in the Bay had taught me I had next to nothing. My professional reputation was inextricably tangled in my father’s. Hell, it was even tied up in Lex’s. It felt like I didn’t have an independent identity, though each of them did.

The people who surrounded me at P&L were just as driven by greed and monetary gain as my father was. They weren’t the type to be recognized by charities or industry organizations for their contributions. No one would point to one of my colleagues as a pillar in the community. Lex certainly is.

I could buy anything, anyone, but what did I truly have? An empty penthouse and a nagging suspicion that things were far worse behind the scenes of my father’s company than I could imagine. And I’d bet my trust fund that if anything nefarious ever came to light, I would be set up to take the fall. My father might talk a good game in public about how proud he was of his son and heir, but I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to throw me on the flames to save himself.

My promise to Lex weighs heavily on my shoulders. She’s right; I can’t stand by and put other people’s lives in danger. How far will I have to go to do the right thing?

Chapter 36

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