Page 9 of A Game-Changing Christmas

Chapter Three

“It’s the fifth time this month.”

Jaden Alexander Rose lifted a golden-brown eye to his brother Jonas, who stood looking out of the floor-to-ceiling windows in Jaden’s downtown office.

“It’s the same bidder,” Jaden continued. “Do you think it’s a coincidence?”

“It’s unusual,” Jonas responded, “but not impossible.”

They were at Rose Bank and Trust Credit Union, an institution owned by Jonas Alexander Rose along with thirty additional branches over the southeast and southwest regions.

With Jaden being the most sought-after investment banker, the two partnered up and grew the business to the point that it was now leveling into the playing field of having a net worth of a billion dollars.

However, today’s agenda was to win a bid on a twenty-five-acre piece of land in North Chicago. Within the span of a year, the Rose family grew as the men got married and the women engaged. It would be their building ground for the new gated family estates. Unfortunately, each piece of land they put a bid on had been undermined at the last second, leaving the men to wonder about the authenticity of the bidder.

“Do you think it’s them?” Jaden asked, and by them he meant the Valentines. Chicago’s movers and shakers didn’t stop at the Roses. Though there were few celebrity families in the city, the Valentines were at the top of that short elite list alongside the Roses.

The two African-American families ironically had many things in common: philanthropic efforts, community uplifting and building. Economic growth was streamlined through the city because of their various businesses. However, the two had a six-year running rivalry that began with the tampering of bids. Or at least, that had been the understanding.

“They weren’t named as the new owners, and it’s not their style to be incognito.”

Jaden nodded. “I was thinking the same thing.”

“Let’s keep an ear out and see what we can find out about the bidder,” Jonas added. He turned from the window and strolled across the carpeted office to the door.

“How’s my babies?” Jaden said, inquiring about the twins Zoey and Zander.

“You mean my babies,” Jonas corrected with a broad smile. “Your niece and nephew.”

“I’ll just stick with my babies,” Jaden reiterated, and the two gave off a burly laugh.

“They’re good.” A mesmerizing glow highlighted Jonas’s hazel brown eyes. “I’ve never felt love like with them. It’s on a different playing field, my man.”

Jaden nodded, understanding Jonas without ever having experienced the bond with a child. His heart ached for it, and he’d been certainly putting it down in the bedroom … or the wall, or their swing set, but still, his wife, Claudia had yet to become with child. Jaden grimaced and pulled himself from his thoughts.

“I’m sure it does,” Jaden’s deep voice murmured as his gaze fell back to the computer monitor.

“You haven’t told her yet, have you?” Jonas said, interrupting Jaden’s thoughts.

Jaden glanced back at his brother.

“No.”

“Why?”

Jaden let out a whistling sigh. “I will.”

“When?”

“After the holidays.” Jonas went to object, but Jaden continued. “It’s a busy time of year for her business, she’ll need all of the rest and relaxation she can get. Then when things calm down to an even pace, I’ll have the conversation.”

Jonas understood, but a part of him wanted to push Jaden into seeing a urologist. Jaden mentioned it on more than one occasion, so Jonas knew that for the sake of his brother’s sanity, Jaden should go.

“If you change your mind, my offer still stands. We can go together.”

Jaden nodded and smirked. “I appreciate that.”

“Are you going to be alright? Tell me right now if you gonna cry in the car,” Jonas joked.

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