Page 100 of Obsessed Heir

But her offer may help with something I’ve been thinking about since before the sun went down. Maybe there’s one thing she can do, if I can bring myself to ask.

“Can you get in touch with Steven?” I blurt out in a rush so I don’t have time to change my mind.

Her brows knit in confusion. “The photographer? Why would you need him?”

Heat rushes across my cheeks. “He’s flying home tomorrow.” I swallow hard before continuing. “I thought I’d head back to Seattle with him and wait there for Miss Opal.”

Her features soften, leaving a slightly sad expression. “Oh, Abby. I’m so sorry.”

I lower my head. “No, there’s nothing for you to be sorry about. I’m the one who’s failing you.”

“No.” She’s vehement as she cuts me off. “You’ve done so much more for this tour than you had to.” Holly’s shoulders slump slightly. “If you’re set on flying back early, I can make all the arrangements.”

I’m heartsick at the thought of leaving so abruptly. But it’s better this way. I couldn’t deal with Barron’s contempt every time we’re in a room together.

With me out of the way, Miss Opal and Barron will be able to enjoy the rest of the trip without my personal drama.

“Yes,” I say at last. “I think that’ll be best.”

“I’ll be by in the morning,” she says with a hint of sadness, “once I’ve set everything up for you.”

I close the door softly and lean against it, letting the tears flow freely.

Chapter Forty

Barron

It’s been hours since we got back, but after the emotional conversation with Mom, my mind is racing too much to sleep. The decisions I’ll have to make in the next few days could alter my plans for the future in ways I never anticipated.

I’ve had the singular goal of becoming a billionaire in my own right since I was a child. It was my way of proving to myself—and everyone else—that I’m not like my father, regardless of the missteps I’ve already taken.

But lately, I’m questioning whether that’s truly what I want.

It’s little things that have led me to second-guess my decisions. My mother looking so tired and frail. The unexpected joy I felt at coming home to an apartment that wasn’t empty, to find someone who cared. The peacefulness of having a woman in my arms, not just any woman.Abigail.

If the next business deal I’ve been mulling over works out as expected, it will get me that much closer to my goal. Thepossibilities dance in my head—board meetings, exploratory committees, projections, profits, return on investment.

It’s a tangible goal, and within my reach. But pursuing that project would complicate my life tremendously, pulling me away from the people who matter most. And I almost failed to realize it.

I start each new venture with a grain of an idea and guide it through the developmental stages until we bring it to fruition. I don’t move on to the next project until I make sure every detail is in its proper place and things are working as they should.

It’s a lesson I learned the hard way.

But at what cost?

It means time away from my family, early mornings, long days, and short nights. Sometimes the process can take years if it’s going to reap the rewards I want. I’ve always justified the burden on my personal life as a sacrifice that will help get me from millionaire to billionaire.

Meanwhile, Mom’s suffering complications with the shot, a sudden heart condition, brain fog, and an infection in her lungs.

With the way her health declined, we were lucky to have Abigail. She was the one who made the decision to drop everything so she could be by Mom’s side. The thought of the sacrifice she made for someone she loves sends a pang through my chest.

I, her actual son, as I so blatantly reminded them just two days ago, wasn’t involved at all. Yes, it may have been because she didn’t call to tell me. But, if I kept in touch more often, I would’ve known she wasn’t feeling well to begin with.

I could have just as easily been sitting here today, regretting the fact I wasn’t with Mom at the end of her life. The very thought makes my stomach churn. Is that really the legacy I’m creating? A successful business career, but the most important person in my life is left to die alone?

My hands clench reflexively as her words echo in my memory. “You and Abby, you’re my entire world…”

But it was Abigail, who I’ve tried my best to keep at arm’s length, who suffered through it. She left school to care for Mom, and nursed her back to health. With an initial deposit, she paid the household expenses, and Mom’s numerous charities then got reimbursed. All so she wouldn’t touch Mom’s accounts and avoid problems with me.

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