Page 2 of Brutal Kingdom

Wait, they’re talking about my mother? What the hell does she have to do with anything?

“Logan knows taking a wife is a decision that should be made on facts, not emotions.”

“Yet, I hear his emotions are the exact reason he’s no longer in control at VDU.”

“You’ve heard incorrectly. He made a choice to relinquish control to focus on other things. Forward thinking future of McKay Media, things.”

“And giving up that control has likely cost us alliances with some of the most powerful families in the country. Now they’ll be following the Lance’s.”

Uncle Alex is right. The students at Vandi U follow power. There are those still loyal to me, but they won’t wield the influence we’re used to. This is a slight hiccup. One I’m working on rectifying. I step away, leaving them to continue their talk, heading to my room to get ready for the party. Whatever the issue with Uncle Alex is, dad will handle it. He always does.

My father appears by my side an hour after the party starts. The look on his face says he’s more stressed than usual, even though he’s trying to hide it. “I heard you and Uncle Alex talking earlier. Sounded heated.”

“Son, if there was any other way out of this for you, I’d encourage you to take it. You know that, right?”

“Out of what?”

“You and your friends aren’t the first generation to make crazy agreements in their youth.”

I’m instinctively on guard, not liking the lead up to this conversation. Turning to face him, I ask, “Dad. What did you do?”

“Not me. Your great-grandfather. He put a codicil in his will after your mother and I divorced.”

“Which said?”

He sips his scotch, grimacing at the will, or the burn. Or both. “McKay Media passes from the firstborn son to the firstborn son.”

“And if there’s not one… yada, yada, I know all this. I’m the firstborn of the firstborn.”

“Right. Well, the codicil also has a stipulation about expanding the bloodline, making sure it stays strong. So, to ensure that, he has a clause that would transfer majority shares to your Uncle Alex’s offspring, in the event mine couldn’t or wouldn’t make sound decisions.”

“Again, no worries. I’m of sound mind.”

“Some would argue losing VDU means you’re not. That you’re emotionally susceptible to making bad decisions.”

“Even on my worst day, I’m more clearheaded than Aiden.”

“Yes, but he’s engaged to Claire, who comes from a very powerful family. And since he’s in a committed relationship…”

“Lemme guess. Uncle Alex is challenging that Aiden’s ready to supervise the planned expansion of our digital media department.”

“Yes, which would pave the way for him to trigger the clause in the will and assume control of the company.”

“Dad, that’s happening.”

“I wish I was as confident as you, but Bella Lance is already realigning loyalties. Ones I think will be amenable to a change in the current power structure of Kingsley Hollow. She’ll never relinquish control.”

“I promise I’m gonna make this right. Just give me a few weeks to work this out.”

“I’m afraid there’s no time for that son.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’ve already put plans in motion to block Alex’s bid.”

My stomach knots and I know I won’t like whatever he says next. “Dad, what did you do?”

My phone rings and I ignore it. It rings again, and I send it to voicemail. The third alert is a ping, on my Prospectus administrator account, which could only mean one thing. Simon is trying to get a hold of me.

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