Page 8 of Whatever You Need

“Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Slade,” interjected Owen’s grandfather, Edward. “But I believe you came here to tell us how much Black Heart would be willing to pay for the properties.” He sounded slightly impatient as he looked at his watch.

“Yes, of course.” He cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses. “I know how personal this business is to you both. When we went through the survey reports, it showed that your guest and loyalty scores are off the charts. Your employees raved about how much they enjoy working for your company. Many of the comments stated that they felt like they were treated like part of the family, with the highest of praises extended to Amelia West.”

My grandfather beamed at me with pride. “She’s a major part of our success.” He winked while Owen stewed in his seat next to me.

“Yes,” Mr. Slade extended me a warm smile, “it’s fair to say that she’s a huge asset.”

“Let’s get back to the dollar figure shall we,” Edward interjected.

“Of, course.” He shuffled through a pile of papers. “It’s quite difficult to give you an exact dollar figure. Based on the reports, however, we were able to estimate an all cash-offer of one point three billion if you were to sell to Black Heart.”

A collective silence fell over the room; my grandfather and Edward stared at each other. It took me a minute to let the magnitude of that dollar figure sink in.

My grandfather stood from the table. “Mr. Slade, we appreciate your time, and Black Heart’s generous offer. Clearly, we have no intention of making a decision today. However, I believe I speak for my partner and myself when I say that you’ve given us something to think about.”

“Fair enough,” Mr. Slade said. “I expected as much. The offer is valid for the next forty-five days. I know this is a lot to take in, but I look forward to speaking with you both in a week to see where your thoughts are on our offer.”

Edward opened the door, allowing his assistant to escort Mr. Slade to the elevator bank outside the suite.

Owen shot out of his chair the second the elevator doors closed. “Damn it, old man. What the fuck are you playing at?”

Edward quickly pulled the door shut to the conference room and stalked over to his grandson. “Calm down, boy. You and your childish behavior have forced my hand in this situation. I told you that when this company was started that Jeffery and I both agreed that the firstborn son would take the reins and secure our family legacy. With Amelia’s father no longer alive and your mother being nothing more than a socialite who is incapable of running a business, this is the plan.” I wanted to cut in and tell him that Owen wasn’t much better than his mother would be, but I stayed out of it. Everyone at this table knew that Owen unchecked would run this place into the ground if he were the only one in charge. He was better at spending money than making it.

Edward leaned forward and flattened his hands along the table. His stance was intimidating. “It is up to the two of you to lead this company into the next generation.”

“You mean if I agree to an arranged marriage like the kingdoms were transferred in the medieval ages, for fuck’s sake! It’s like some crazy episode ofGame of Thrones.”

“Amelia is a beautiful and talented woman,” he shot back and I wanted to sink into my chair. “You’ll be lucky to have her as a wife.”

“Okay.” I stood up and put my hand out. This was embarrassing and a huge setback to the Me Too movement currently going on in our country. I didn’t need them talking as if I wasn’t here in the room. “I’m right here, everybody. I can speak for myself.”

“Amelia, sweetheart,” my grandfather said in a soothing tone. “You cared for Owen years ago. Maybe that fondness that you once shared could be rekindled. You know how much it would mean to me to be able to keep this business a family affair, but I want this to be your choice.”

“Exactly,” Edward added. “In order for this to happen, Owen will have to demonstrate a little bit more maturity than he does today.” He turned to his grandson. “He will also need to give up his playboy ways and learn to keep his dick in his pants. The last thing this company needs is grainy photos showing up of you and one of your boat bunnies getting it on.”

Owen cursed under his breath. His knuckles were white as he clenched his hands along the armrest of his chair. “Anything else?” He met his grandfather’s cold eyes. It was safe to say that they didn’t have the same kind of relationship that my grandfather and I had.

“Yes.” My grandfather straightened his tie and turned his attention to Owen. “If you want to be a part of this business and enjoy the lifestyle that it affords, you will be loyal to my granddaughter and you will treat her with respect. That is non-negotiable.”

Owen and I had our work cut out for us, that was for sure. I questioned if I could actually go through with this. Yet, I reminded myself that my grandfather needed me. He stepped up to the plate when my dad died. He’s the only father figure I’ve ever known. I owe him everything. Now, with my grandmother in her final stages of Alzheimer’s, he needed to focus on her. This business was his baby. I couldn’t allow him to sell it.

I couldn’t imagine what Eastan and West would look like if it were gobbled up by Titan Properties. This company was built from the ground up by these two men. There really was no other option.

“Don’t worry, Grandfather. We will find a way to make it work.”

After all, what did I have to lose?

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