Page 12 of Ruthless Heir

My entire body sighs with relief. “I’ll find someone and sort it all out.”

“I hope for your sake that you do. You do realize you’ll essentially have three months to get to know thisunknownwoman.”

“I know.”

“If things don’t work out with her you may choose another but you won’t get any more time. If you’re not ready for marriage at the end of the term and you still want the position in the company then you’ll have to marry Portia. Is that understood?”

“Loud and clear.” This is a fucking nightmare.

“Asher, I’m allowing this because I know how you felt being tied up in the previous contract. I want you to meet someone and have the kind of relationship I have with your mother.”

That might be my only saving grace. Even though my father knew we’d have to have arranged marriages he wanted us tohave the real thing, like he has. I’m not sure he understands though that it’s not that easy.

“I get it, Father.”

“Good. I hope you can get over this distrust you have for the Fairchilds, too. I’m moving forward with putting Nigel on the board, and I’m allowing Nolan the chance to trial for a seat. As such, he’ll be working on the tech company with you.”

Damn it to hell. I saw this coming. That company is exactly what they were after. It belonged to Archie. “That company is supposed to be under my care. Archie wanted me to have it.”

“Don’t push me, Asher. Archie left the company toLe Blanche Global. That means it’s under my care. I just gave you a chance. After that scandal you’re lucky you still have a job. If you weren’t my son things would be different.”

Translation—shut the hell up or get out.

“Fine.” The Fairchilds have won this battle. I’ll allow them that but it’s not fucking over yet.

“I sincerely hope you can make this work.”

“Of course.” I try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice but know I fail. My father knows I’m agreeing because he’s pushed me against a wall.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you.”

He hangs up and my chest caves. I allow the phone to slip from my hand and fall to the floor. A surge of anger washes over me and I shove the exercise bike to the ground.

I usually have an answer for everything, but this is shit. And it’s my fault.

I had time to find a wife. If I had found one I wouldn’t have hooked up with the actress. Now I have to deal with the consequences of my actions.

In the last hour I’ve agreed to let Harper move in with me and it feels like I’m caught in a war with my father.

I have to figure this out.

Chapter Three

Harper

Move in with Asher?

“No. Absolutely not.” I shake my head so hard I feel like it’s going to snap off my body and smash on the floor.

Josh pushes off the kitchen door and glares at me. His face is military stern and the warmth that previously shone in his eyes has fizzled into the air. “Harper?—”

“No, Josh.” I throw the cleaning towel back on the rack and step away from the sink.

He has a dishwasher but I was doing the dishes by hand to take my mind off things. I’ve had such a shitty day dodging calls from the loan sharks. Now this.

“Listen to me. I’ve done my best to sort out this situation for you.” He pushes his shoulders back and puffs out his chest like we’re gonna fight. “I’m not going to be in New York. I’m gonna be gone for nine months, then I’m moving to North Carolina with Lisa.”

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