Page 401 of The Christmas Wife

Nathan looks like he’s about to say something, then firms his lips.

“Any other long-lost relations we need to know about?” Knox tips up his chin in Arthur’s direction, “Any other ‘grandsons’"—he makes air-quotes—"lurking in the background with whom we’ll need to split control of the company?"

“No grandsons,” Arthur murmurs.

“But there areothers?” I ask.

“My oldest son is Edward’s adoptive father. And you’re aware of my middle son, your biological father." He directs this statement at me and Knox before looking around the table. " The one you haven’t met is my youngest,” he murmurs.

“I knew it.” Knox slaps his hand on the table with such force, the cards jump.

Arthur purses his lips. “We, uh…had a falling out, which caused him to leave home. It also resulted in me wiping all traces of him from my home, which is why you didn’t know of his existence. I’m sorry to say, I hurt your grandmother deeply with that.” The old man swallows.

“You’re hurting us with these revelations,” Knox points out.

“I promised Greta, on her deathbed, I’d reunite my family.” He sets his jaw.

“More like, you’re setting us up for a fight with all these new entrants,” Knox mutters under his breath.

“And where is this long-lost uncle?” I ask slowly.

“I haven’t been able to track him down. Maybe, he wants to stay hidden.” Arthur pats Tiny’s giant head.

“Maybe heshouldstay hidden.” A nerve throbs at Knox’s temple. “You expect us to accommodate yet another relation—no offense, Edward?—”

“None taken.” I shrug.

“— and slice up the family fortune because you’ve decided to make up for your sins in your old age?”

There’s silence, then Arthur blows out a breath. “I understand how difficult all of this must be for you, especially when you were groomed to be my heir-apparent. Your father was a loser. The only good thing he did was sire you boys. I thought long and hard before bringing in first, Edward and now, Nathan, but it’s for your own good, Knox.”

Knox snorts.

“You’re not made to be the CEO. Yet,” Arthur declares.

Knox’s jaw tics. “Don’t hold back, Gramps,” he growls.

Arthur holds up his hands. “I know, you’re upset. But I promise you, when you look back, you’ll understand it was for your own good.”

“That’s what they always say,” Knox says in a bitter voice.

“You’ll still be on the board of directors and lead on one of the smaller companies?—”

“I just won't be CEO,” Knox snaps.

“You’ll never lack for money,” Arthur points out.

“I just won't have the power.” The tendons of Knox’s throat bunch.

“I’ve given you a foothold in the company. When you prove yourself, you can climb the ladder like everyone else. There’s nothing keeping you from staking a claim to be the CEO.”

Knox stares at him steadily, “And he has the experience I lack? That’s what you’re trying to say, aren’t you?”

Arthur lowers his chin to his chest. When he speaks, it’s in a matter-of-fact tone, “Edward’s had a few knocks in life, enough to make him worldly-wise. Nathan joined the navy and has been posted all over the world. He has experience making decisions involving the lives of people.”

"Navy, huh?" Knox glares at the new guy.

Nathan tilts his head.

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