He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees as he interlaced his fingers. “You know I like to do thorough research whenever I go into business with anyone.”
“Yes,” I said slowly.
“Well, when I look into any company, I also look into the shareholders’ personal lives.”
“Okay.”
“I never meant to cause problems between you and my dad, Rayne.”
“I know.”
“But Xander was never going to sell to him.”
I knew that too. “We’ve been over this.”
He sat back and scratched his jaw where stubble had grown. “Xander’s mom passed away last year.”
“He told me he didn’t have family.”
“That’s not exactly true.”
“Oh.” As someone who had no contact with a parent, I understood how complicated family situations could get. “Well, he strikes me as a bit of a loner, so maybe that’s by choice.”
“Rayne, he has family. Quite a bit. It turns out he has two brothers and a sister.”
“Okay.” I didn’t know what he was getting at. “Are they not close?”
“Not yet.”
I frowned. “Why are you being so cryptic? Just say whatever you're trying to say.” Honestly, who cared what Xander did in his personal life?
“Rayne, I’m trying to tell you that Xander and I have more in common than our business interests.”
The hair on my arms stood up and I slowly sat back. “Wait. What do you mean? Are you saying…?”
“It turns out we also share a father.”
I stared, slack-jawed. “He’syour brother?”
“Who?”
My wide eyes jerked to Seraphina as she stood in the doorway holding a caddy of coffee. I looked back to Hale with wide eyes. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not. I didn’t want to tell you until after the baby was born because I didn’t want to stress you out.”
“How long have you known?”
“Known what?” Seraphina demanded, setting the food and coffee on the counter by the sink.
My heart pounded. Did we tell her? She had a right to know. As did Barrett.Holy shit!“Does Remington know?
“My dad doesn’t know. I’ve only known for a week. I wanted to make sure it was absolutely certain.”
“Jesus Christ, your dad will have to buy another yacht.” It was common knowledge that he bought one to represent the mother of each of his children.
“Will someone please tell me what the hell you two are talking about!” Phina demanded.
I looked at her, shock making my brain slow, then I covered my mouth. “Oh, my God. You almost hooked up with him!”