Page 105 of Vivacity
I’ve finally said the words aloud to my counterpart in this excruciating deal, to the man whose family, whose entire company, I’ve put through hell these last couple of months.
I push on. ‘Out of the deal, out of Kingsley Hotels, out of the industry. I don’t know what the hell I want to do, except spendsome time with my kid and find something to be passionate about that’s not running Richard Kingsley’s empire for him.’
He stares at me. There’s a moment of stunned silence before he begins to cough as he chokes on his shortbread crumbs. ‘Jesus, mate,’ he protests when he’s recovered. ‘I mean, I’m all for epiphanies of the heart, but what the fuck? You can’t walk away from this. It’s way too far down the line for that—the market would crucify both our share prices.’
I force myself to hold his gaze as I shake my head. ‘Not if I appointed you as CEO of the combined entity.’
CHAPTER 46
Ethan
‘You’re insane. Certifiably insane.’
‘Maybe,’ I say slowly. ‘Maybe I’m insane to have come here and shown my cards to a guy who’s always had good reason to detest me. Maybe this will all blow up in my face, but honestly? This is the first time in a long time that I’ve felt good about my actions.’
He’s still staring at me in utter shock and bewilderment.
‘You’re serious.’
‘Deadly. I can’t go on like this.’
‘You’re actually considering walking away from everything you guys have built and handing it all over to me?’
‘Well, first of all, I didn’t build it. My father did. I’m just his evil henchman. Secondly, I don’t see it as walking away from anything. I’m walking towards what’s important, probably for the first time. And thirdly, why the hell shouldn’t I hand it to you? You’re by far the most qualified person of anyone to lead the combined entity, and that includes me.’ I grin at him, and I suspect it’s maniacal. I feel maniacal.
He barks out a shocked laugh. ‘You’re off your rocker.’
‘You betcha.’ I sit back and cross my ankle over its opposite knee. I’ve been tied up in knots since last night over havingthis conversation, but I’m enjoying myself immensely. I suspect Miles is right and I have officially lost the plot. But the sensation of having zero fucks left to give is really fantastic.
‘Jesus Christ.’ He drags a hand down over his face. ‘I’m not sure I’ve outright hated you, mate—like I said, you’re not a total egomaniac like your old man—but I’ve always found you a bit of a cold fish. You never give an inch.’
I nod, feeling fatuous. ‘I know. My therapist has had a lot to say about that.’
‘I bet they have. They’ll probably be able to buy a nice gaffe in the South of France by the time they’ve finished sorting you out. Fuck—sorry. That was uncalled for.’
But I’m chuckling. ‘I’m sure he’s counting on it.’
‘Look. You’ve really taken me by surprise, mate. People don’t usually take me by surprise, but consider me gobsmacked. But, at the very least, I can tell you’re serious about this. In that respect, I trust you. So honestly, if you have an idea for how the hell this harebrained scheme of yours should work, then please enlighten me.’
‘It’s like this. Of course I realise how shitty it is for me to walk away from a transaction I spearheaded. How much of a let-down that would seem to investors. But consider it this way. I’m a father, and I have a child in crisis. As far as I’m concerned, he has to be my priority. This is an emergency situation. This time it was stealing a car and joyriding. If I don’t act, what could it be next time? Drugs? Cutting himself? I hate to think.
‘If he was physically ill, there’d be no question that I’d remove myself from my job to focus on his recovery. Just because it’s his mental health that’s at stake, doesn’t make it any less important.’
‘Agree wholeheartedly.’ He nods. ‘And, for what it’s worth, the market should take that as a valid reason. A family healthemergency should be respected as a reason for making drastic decisions.’
‘I’m glad you think that.’ I square my shoulders. ‘And if I was leaving the firm in the lurch, then I’d definitely feel more conflicted. But let’s be honest here. We’re acquiring The Montague Group because our organic growth is shite. Your strategic positioning is far superior to ours. And who’s at the helm of that growth engine? You. I’d be delusional to argue that I’m more qualified to lead on that front than you. All I’m good for is slashing your jobs, which, honestly, is something I was never fully comfortable with in the first place, even if I knew it was the best way to get the market on board.’
He’s shaking his head at me in disbelief. ‘You cheeky fucker.’
I shrug. ‘I don’t pretend to be as passionate about our people as you and your dad are. I’m more cut-throat, and I suspect you’re overly emotional.ButI don’t know for sure what I think, because my father’s voice has been in my head for so long that it’ll take a while to articulate my own values.’
‘Seems like you’re making a good start,’ he mutters, taking a sip of tea.
I ignore the low-key compliment. ‘So what do you think?’
‘Fuck. I think it’s insane, and you’ve turned my Christmas upside down, and my wife really wouldn’t want me taking on two companies instead of one… but at the same time, I have to say, I have a lot of respect for you for being prepared to throw a lit match and walk away.’ He nods thoughtfully. ‘Alotof respect. I mean, Jesus, this shit could actually work.’
That gets a genuine laugh out of me. ‘I’m very relieved I’m not the only one who thinks so.’
