Page 106 of Vicious Arrangement
Because of that, how the fuck can I expect her to fully ever trust my feelings are genuine?
No, I’m not giving it all to that fucker Aaron, but it got me thinking, if I lost it all, where would I be?
There’d be money. I’d still be rich. I’m skilled enough to get another job, a high-end job or start my own business.
I’ll be fine if I don’t have that inheritance that adds to what I already have. And if someone else takes over as the president here, then I have my own shares, and I’ll make it all work for me.
But I won’t be fine if I lose Aria.
I’ll be poor without her.
Rock bottom.
The thought of her not in my life makes me sick to my stomach, it hurts my heart.
Telling her how I feel is one step. A big one. But it’s not enough.
I need to also show her. That’s what tonight’s all about.
With a sigh, I finish up and turn off my computer. I’m heading out, key in my office door when my lawyer arrives.
“Oh, good,” Peter says, “I caught you. I need your signature for a business deal.”
“Actually, I’m on my way out. Can it wait?” I try to keep the irritation that’s climbing in me to a dull roar.
“Not really,” he says, pushing up his glasses.
With a sigh, I unlock my door and usher him in, where I sign the document.
“Thanks for the heads-up on this Aaron. If he tries anything, direct him to me personally, I don’t want you dealing with it. We’ll squash him in court if he stupidly goes that route, and he’ll be slapped with all kinds of suits if he starts spreading lies.”
“I don’t think he’ll be a bother,” I say, squirming a little inside. I shared with Peter because I had to. It was the smarter thing to do, just in case my plans go south. But it’s like I’m a child running to Grandfather with a problem.
Only instead of being rebuffed, Peter’s taking it in his stride and taking it seriously.
It still makes me feel eight.
I check my watch as he hands me another page to sign. And then another.
“While you’re here, sign this one.”
I do that, too, and check my watch. The car’s waiting. We’ll be cutting it fine, but I think we’ll get there just on six.
“You seem to be in a hurry, Noah,” Peter says, checking everything.
I run a hand over the back of my neck and nod. “I’m taking Aria out for dinner.”
He grins. “Maybe your grandfather knew what he was doing after all. I know he was hard on you, but… he did love you.”
“Did he?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. He harbored a lot of guilt over your mother and for not seeing your father for what he was. And not doing more. But I’m thinking this might have been a sneaky gift.”
I scoff, but inside, I wonder if there’s truth to any of that. Was Oscar covering his guilt with his coldness to me? Maybe I take after him more than I knew. The idea isn’t exactly pleasant. But… yeah. And was he playing matchmaker?
“I guess,” I say, “we’ll never know.”
“Have a good evening, son.”
