Page 73 of Deadly Secrets

“Why didn’t you go to the authorities about my father? You had the option to do so. You could have kept your position at Cos Pharma, perhaps even becoming the sole shareholder.” I knew William enough to know that he didn’t engage in acts of charity solely for altruistic reasons. It always baffled me how two individuals with such contrasting personalities could be such good friends. He, after all, was an egocentric, selfish bastard with a God complex, whereas my father was a man of steadfast principles. I guess I was wrong after all.

“Did you know your father and I became friends in high school? After graduating, we went to Stanford, just like you, and our friendship strengthened. We once were more than friends; he was my family, my brother. He was the one who introduced me to my former wife, Nora. I owed him a lot, so that was my way of repaying him. But after that, we were done; he said he wasn’t resigning, so I did. He could have come to me, and I would have gladly helped him.”

His words hit deeper than I had expected, to the extent that I found myself feeling sympathy for the man seated across from me.

He gave up his dream; after all, Cos Pharma was as much his creation as it was my father’s.

“Do you have any more questions?”

“Why now? Why do you want back in?” I asked him.

“Come on, Sienna, you’ve known me for quite some time. Do you honestly believe I would have returned while your father still ran the company? Not a chance, even in a hundred years. His unfortunate death provided an opportunity to come back, and I have a business mind. I’m genuinely sorry for your loss, but I must be honest. After all, Cos Pharma was as much mine as it was his.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose with my fingers in an attempt to bring some relief to the impending migraine. I still had some more questions, so I continued with my interrogation.

“Why did you throw away the letters I sent to Ander?”

William rubbed a hand down his face before he answered.

“I was angry, and after leaving the company, my mood changed. As you’re aware, Nora divorced me, and regrettably, your letters arrived during some of the darkest days of my life. I threw them away and unjustly punished you and Ander for your father’s and my own errors. It was unfair, and for that, I do apologize.”

His words didn’t change the fact that his and my own father’s actions had caused me to lose my best friend, but oddly, they did bring some kind of closure. I had made up my mind. I just hoped I wasn’t making a big mistake.

“The position is yours.”

“Excuse me?”

Was William not anticipating my response this quickly, or was he deaf?

“I said that the position is yours. Don’t make me regret it, William. I’ll communicate my decision to the board this afternoon. Accept this as an early Christmas present.”

I dragged the chair backward with the intention of getting up and out of that fish tank, but before I could stand, William said, “What are you doing for the holidays? Are you staying at Moore Manor?”

I nodded.

Why did he care?

“Why don’t you spend the holidays with us? I’m sure Ander would be thrilled to spend some time with you.”

I doubted that.

“In fact, why don’t you stay until after New Year’s Eve? Claudia has planned a decadent party, and I’d like to have you there. It could be like a fresh start for both of us. What do you say?”

“I would need to ask your son, and I’ve brought a girlfriend from college with me, so it’s not just me you’d be inviting over to your home.” I didn’t want to sound like I was blurting excuses, but I worried that Ander wouldn’t be pleased to see me.

“The more, the merrier. Initially, I believed it might have been just a phase, but he likes you. Claudia will also be pleased to have other women around.”

William was clearly extending an olive branch, and I didn’t want to start our new business venture by rejecting his proposal.

“If you insist, we would love to join you. Thank you for the invitation.”

He clasped both hands together, pleased with my acceptance.

“Fantastic. The party is ‘Venetian Summer Night,’ black tie etiquette is required, so please bring an evening gown. Claudia shipped extra masks from Italy in case she changed her outfit at the last minute, so I’m sure she won’t mind lending you a couple of them. Let me know if you want me to send a car to pick you up.”

The sudden change in his attitude gave me whiplash, but when I left that office, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Chapter 30. HOE HOE HOE! MERRY CHRISTMAS

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