Page 102 of How to Break My Heart
“Please, enlighten me as to why power is so important to you. Why, instead of being my father, you treat me like one of your goddamn puppets.”
His gaze flickers, warning me I’ve pushed the wrong button.
“The measure of a man is what he does with his power. My father treated me no different, and because of that, look at how powerful the Beaumont name has become. One day, I’ll be gone, and it will be your responsibility to carry this name, which is why I promoted you to CEO. You’ll have your own son who will then carry the legacy.” His words are a warning. “A son you will bring into this world with the right woman who will fulfill the role as the next Mrs. Beaumont.”
I cock my head, surprised to be hearing this for the first time. It sounds to me like he’ll be choosing my wife. Nothing should surprise me anymore, the man has no care in the world for what I want.
“I don’t want to know what you expect me to do next. As for right now, I’m going to make sure this party doesn’t end up a mess.”
For my sanity, I step away from him and back to the main terrace where everyone has gathered. A roar erupts as the musicchanges, and the three women strut out of the room. Myles is already sitting in the middle, appearing awkward and less enthused than I thought he would be. Gino catches on, passing a blunt to Myles to help him chill the fuck out.
The girls do their work, teasing Myles as their clothes slowly come off. I watch from the railing of the boat beside Roland. Earlier, he was playing poker and enjoying himself. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem bothered by his son getting lap dances.
I drink the bourbon from my glass, quietly watching Myles. The rest of the group cheers him on while trying to touch the girls. They don’t seem bothered by it, especially when the men slide bills inside their panties. Steven and his broke ass borrowed money from Gino just so he could have some fun.
Unlike other parties where I’ve been blind drunk and partaken in activities involving women, tonight feels entirely different.
All I can think about is Everleigh.
What she’s doing.
The sound of her voice.
The smell of her skin.
If only I could escape this godforsaken party and see her.
I turn to face the dark water, desperate for a moment’s peace as my father’s words haunt me.
A son you will bring into this world with the right woman who will fulfill the role as the next Mrs. Beaumont.
It explains why on several occasions, he’s pushed Viviana onto me. To please him, I did date her, but it quickly ended, much to his disappointment.
“You see all that land across those mountains?” Roland points across the water. “My grandfather migrated from Ireland and bought this land so his future family would never have to worry about money.”
“Quite the gentleman,” I state simply, my eyes suddenly drawn to a spot on the shore across from us. “Family is important to you.”
“Your father is pulling out all the stops to get me to sell it to him. However, it’s more than just selling him land. Behind those mountains, we have farms. All of which produce agricultural export products. I know Myles is reluctant to take over, but I hope I can find someone to help him and that we can keep it in the family. I owe my grandfather and father this. One day, I hope Myles and Madelina will also produce a son to carry the Whitney name for generations.”
“I understand, Roland. My father can be very persistent…” My words trail off as I remember why the spot across from me seems so familiar. The abandoned house by the lake was where we partied on graduation night.
The night I boldly kissed Everleigh and, in the same breath, pushed her away because I was young and foolish.
The walls of my chest tighten at the memory of that night.
You have everything going for you. You’re smart, a straight-A student without even trying. Coach loves you. Your athletic ability is the best the school has seen. Not to mention, you’re pretty. So tell me, why on earth do you think your father should dictate your life?
I had gazed at Everleigh coldly that night, so afraid of how she made me feel by believing I could defy my father. For a moment, I thought about giving it all up to follow my dreams.
But fear crippled me.
It destroyed any fight I had left.
“I’m sure you understand.” Roland interrupts my wandering thoughts. “I’m surprised you’re even considering moving to Dubai. It’s a long way from Manhattan.”
I tilt my head in confusion. “Excuse me?”
“Harvey secured the partnership last week by investing in a hotel chain. He negotiated the terms and offered you as the bargaining tool. Are you telling me you had no idea?”
