Page 116 of The Version You Hide

“Yeah. Plans that involve kicking a grandmother out of the studio she’s prided herself on for forty years. Not to mention the other business owners in that complex.” I should have known something was up when he’d shown even the mildest interest in the Elmwood when I mentioned it. “Why this building? How did you even obtain it so quickly?”

“We weren’t the first company to make an offer. Cyncorp has been trying to get them to sell for years. I made an offer that they couldn’t refuse,” he explains in almost a boastful tone.

“There has to be something else out there,” I argue, though I know I’m fighting a losing battle.

My mother was right. When my father wants something, nothing will stand in his way, and he will resort to drastic measures to get it. It’s probably why he’s taken my exit from the company so hard.

“Come and work for me,” he almost demands.

“What? Dad we’ve been through this already.”

“You and Claire could be co-CEOs,” he suggests. “If you can find me a better location, I’ll tear up the documents.”

“Dad!” Claire gasps, clearly as shocked as I am.

I nod. “I see what this is. So, you are punishing me.”

“I’m not,” he responds. “I’m giving you one last chance. An opportunity of a lifetime.”

I’m silent as I move back toward the window. I feel completely defeated. If working for my father meant saving Grace’s livelihood, it’s an option I should at least consider.

“Come on, Dad,” I hear Claire say. “I can look into some more options. There are some great locations near Little Beach that we haven’t explored.” Her tone is hopeful, and it makes my heart hurt to know that she feels she needs to be the buffer between us.

“That won’t be necessary, Claire. It’s a done deal,” my father says, the finality of his words stinging. “All businesses located in the premises have been notified that they can stay until their rent period is up. It’s not personal. Just–”

“Yeah. Just business.” I cut him off.

“Exactly.” His phone begins to ring, and he answers it, pushing off the door frame. We hear his voice grow distant as he wanders down the hall.

“I’m sorry, Dyl.” Claire’s hand is on my shoulder. “I had no idea.”

My heart aches for Grace. And Mackenzie too. She only just met her grandmother, and this could put serious strain on an already fragile relationship.

But it isn’t just their relationship I’m worried about. God only knows what Mackenzie will think of me when she finds out my father is to blame for this.

“This is all my fault.” I drop down into the armchair by the window, combing a hand through my hair as I loosen the tie around my neck. “I never should have mentioned the studio in the first place. I put the idea in his head.”

“Then I’m as much to blame.” Claire sighs. “I’m the one who told him it was the Elmwood.”

“He’s a snake, Claire. I hope you know what you’re dealing with here.” What I’m saying might sound harsh, especially when I know that this is my sister’s dream job, but I need her to be sure this is the kind of career she wants.

She stares back at me for a long moment before she finally speaks. “I want you to know that I don’t agree with what he has done. I’m going to do things differently around here. Maybe I can talk him out of this.”

I slump down, my head in my hands. “You heard him. He’ll rip up the contract on one condition only.”

Claire’s frown deepens as she takes in my words. “You’re not actually thinking about coming to work here again, are you?”

“What choice do I have?”

“You can’t give up everything you’ve worked for. And I’m not saying this because it means having to share my job title with you.” Despite my frustration and sadness, her words make me smile. “I’m saying it because I can see how this place sucks the life right out of you. You were right. You don’t belong stuck between four walls in a concrete jungle.”

“I know,” I agree. “I just need some space to think.”

“You won’t find space here.” Claire’s hand squeezes my shoulder, warm and encouraging. “Come on. Let’s go to Cliff Haven.”

“What?” My eyes snap to hers.

“It’s your home.” Her gaze softens. “You belong there. So let’s go.”

---