Page 68 of Billion Dollar Dispute

She gives me her wine, and I stand there, holding two full glasses.

“Son, I’d say they're both yours, but judging by the red lip mark on one, I’d guess you’re holding it for a lady?”

My dad stands there, holding his champagne flute, his posture stiff as he watches me. His eyebrows are pinched in concern, and there's a slight tension in his shoulders, like he’s bracing for something.

“Did you just arrive?” I ask, scanning the room for my mom and brothers, the words slipping out as I keep my focus on the crowd.

“Yeah. They’re talking to Oliver.” His eyes shift to the distance briefly before returning to me, his voice lowering a bit. “I saw you alone and wanted to check in on how you’re doing at Recaredo Events?”

“It’s good.”

I take a breath, trying to stay calm. Tonight is not the time to tell him that one of her long-term employees has a drug addiction. He was embezzling money, and that’s why it hasn’t been profitable.

She’s got enough to deal with without wondering how Danny’s desk magically cleared out. People like him don’t leave quietly… well, unless someone gives them a reason to. This is better for her. Cleaner. She deserves to focus on what’s in front of her, not the mess behind it. If that means I carry the weight of it alone, fine. Some things she doesn’t need to know.

His eyes move around the room, taking in the event. “She’s done a sensational job. I’ve never seen live art, a photo booth, or a red carpet at an event like this.”

I glance at him, my voice tinged with admiration. “Can you believe she pulled it off in just a few days?”

His eyebrows raise in surprise. “And she’s never worked in event planning before?” Dad asks, his tone laced with disbelief.

“No, she worked at Macy’s before her position was laid off."

He nods thoughtfully as his lips curl into a small smile. “She’s detailed and organized.”

Her paperwork pops into my mind. Her office… I shake the thought away, focusing back on my dad.

“What’s the plan when you leave? Will you hire more staff?”

The thought of leaving makes my chest tighten, but I keep my voice steady. “It’s just her and the receptionist.”

His gaze sharpens, a flicker of concern in his eyes. “And you.”

“She has great casual staff, but if she picks up more work, she’ll need to hire more. We need to move forward with that over the next few weeks.”

I feel a sense of pride as I think about Jemima. She’s so talented, naturally too. I want someone who can take the load of the day-to-day tasks off her so she can concentrate on running and growing the business.

“And how’s your business? Is it managing without you?”

I pause with a slight shrug. “I’ve gone back to the office for a few meetings. I book them for late afternoons or early mornings so I can work around Jemima’s schedule.”

His lips twist into a proud smile, and I feel a rush of satisfaction. It’s what I’ve been craving. Recognition.

“And how’s the consultation firm looking? Have you started planning?”

I take a breath, firm in my decision. “The inheritance is going toward buying the building next door.”

His eyes narrow slightly, a warning in his voice. “I hope you don’t spend too much.”

“I’ve reviewed the comps in the area with the realtor and it’s a solid investment.”

He pauses for a moment, then asks, “Are you learning much from being with Jemima?”

How lucky I am, and how grateful I am to have a supportive family and friends.

“Definitely. Starting from below zero is tough.”

“You know you can’t keep helping her with your connections. Part of the journey is her learning to hustle and scout her own work.”

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