Page 95 of Ruthless Heir

But what the fuck did I expect? Of course she was going to be mad.

I’m mad at myself. And look at me. I’m standing here pitching a tent and I’m not sure what I am. Am I a coward or a fool?

Cowards shy away from a fight and fools never try to get what they want.

It doesn’t matter.

I messed up and now I have to try and unfuck myself. I have to focus of the plan which is working so well. Tonight was a success.

I’m satisfied that Portia Fairchild is so far off my father’s radar she’s pretty much an afterthought.

Harper and I stole the show and won everyone’s hearts. Of course the irony in that is that the plan worked because we aren’t fake.

But those kinds of thoughts are going to get me in more trouble with her.

The best thing to do is avoid situations like tonight. Avoid Harper when I don’t need to be with her.

I’m sure that’s going to be easier said than done. Especially now that I’m also going to be her boss.

I didn’t bother to go to sleep. Now I wish I had. Sleep would have given me the chance to rejuvenate and be ready for the meeting with Father, Hunter, and Nolan.

The morning already started off like shit because Olga wasn’t there.

She would have gone to call Harper for breakfast or checked on her. I could have done it myself but I felt that after last night I should keep my distance for a little while.

Layla has a busy schedule planned for Harper today and I have back-to-back meetings so chances are I won’t see her.

I wanted to at least make sure she was okay with me. Now I have to put all my focus on this meeting because it seems Nolan—the motherfucker—has another ace up his sleeve I never saw coming.

The meeting is supposed to be about our work with the tech company. Last week I had Layla draw up my proposals on how we should move forward and send them to Nolan, who agreed.

Except today he’s saying something entirely different. Something different that has blown my father’s mind.

“Merging the tech company with Ansel Software would solidify the brand and increase our profits exponentially.” Nolan speaks with pride, sounding like a door-to-door salesman eager to make a sale.

This is the new thing he sprung on us this morning. He and his father have surprisingly managed to secure the leading shares in Ansel Softwareovernight.

Of course my father thinks that a merger is a great idea because Ansel Software is a development company.

If he agrees to merge our tech company with Ansel Software, Nolan and Nigel would have a formidable powerhouse.

This is their comeback at me for eliminating Portia as a marriage potential.

Although a merger wouldn’t carry the same impact as marriage to me, it would be a hell of a lot more than what they have now.

I glare at Nolan as he continues talking about all the potential profits we could see from a merger of the two companies. When he’s finished talking I look at Father then at Hunter. Both of them have this transfixed expression that irritates me even more.

I've been patiently listening, trying to keep myself under control while wanting to snap Nolan's neck. It’s obvious he’s trying to outdo me again.

Once again I can’t get violent. I'd definitely be in the wrong. Especially when Nolan has my father eating out of his palm like a dog.

“This is absolutely wonderful, Nolan,” Father says, giving him the same adoration he shows us as his sons. “We’d just need to go over the dynamics and logistics thoroughly as the tech company has been a subsidiary of Le Blanche Global for many years.”

“I understand completely, Preston,” Nolan replies in a hearty voice. “My father and I expected you to ask for more time so we’re good to wait. Just don't take too long. We have other companies in mind to merge with. I just think it'd bea great opportunity to expand our already wonderful working relationship with Le Blanche Global.”

“I think you’re right,” Father agrees and looks at Hunter and me. “Do you boys have anything to say with regard to this possible venture?”

I have no shortage of words to bury him but the moment I open my mouth to speak Hunter taps my leg, pressing a thumb down into my knee. It's his secret signal. His way of telling me not to say anything that's out of line.

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