Page 257 of Beautifully Damaged Boxset

“He’s a wonderful businessman.” Catherine peeked at Holden. “From what I learned recently, he has another job that I don’t know much about, but we built our financial company from the ground up. He could rub elbows with anyone, regardless of if they were one of the wealthiest people in the world or just beginning their journey.”

“Can I ask what your business is?” Reid asked.

“Honey, you can ask anything you want. You have a right to know. It’s part of your inheritance when I leave this earth. I’ll split it between Mallory, Holden, and you.”

Reid stared at her, shocked. “Really? People do that?”

Pain twisted Catherine’s features. “Yes. As parents our hope is to leave our children with a better financial status than what we had. For a long time, my mother and father were poor, but I’ve managed to build a very successful company. When your father and I divorced recently, I kept the business, since he had another one.” Catherine grimaced and lifted her glass to her lips. “Anyway, we help companies invest and grow, purchase, take over other ones. There’s a strategy to it all. Tim and I have an excellent reputation of helping businesses large and small propel to the next level and above. It’s a numbers game, but I’ve also built a lot of important relationships all over the world.”

“Numbers, as in money?” Reid asked, curiosity clinging to his question.

I leaned into Holden’s side, watching Catherine and Reid get to know each other better. Hell, I wasn’t sure any of us understood what she and Tim really did in the business. When I’d asked Holden, he’d shrugged it off. Now that I looked back at it, I think he was trying to protect his heart from becoming too invested in his mom. Even before Hannah, he sensed something was wrong, but little did he know he was missing a brother.

Catherine continued to answer Reid’s questions with a smile on her face. She was thrilled that he was taking such an interest in the company.

Half an hour later, Leena brought in the prime rib, mashed potatoes, gravy, green peas, and fresh rolls. My mouth watered as she set the table. A moment of sadness tugged at me. Brynn should be home and able to hang out so I could fill her in on how the evening went. I’d have to settle for calling her, but I still hated her decision.

After we ate, Leena refilled our wine glasses. Catherine dabbed the corners of her mouth with the white linen napkin, then set it near her plate. “I have an announcement.”

Thank God Holden had mentioned this was good news, or I might have crawled under the table and hid.

“First, I wanted to show you this, Reid.” Catherine rose from her seat and gathered a manila envelope sitting on the hutch. She placed it in front of him and patted his back before she returned to her chair.

Clearly puzzled, Reid opened the flap, then slid out a piece of paper. “What is it?”

“It’s your birth certificate. You were born in Spokane County on August 6th ,1998. Your legal name is Garrison Marcus Alastair. If you want, I can help you change your first name to Reid. It’s your choice. With everything that’s happened, I wasn’t sure if you knew the day you were born or your age. I was hoping this would be helpful.”

“Thank you, Mom. I had no idea when my birthday was, and they didn’t lie to me about how old I was, I just lost track …”

“Holden is nine months younger than you are.”

Holden squeezed my hand as we watched Reid stare at the document that gave him a piece of his missing history. I couldn’t imagine what he was feeling, but at least he was here with us and rebuilding his life.

Catherine dabbed her tears, then continued. “I’ve decided to take some time off. My family is more important to me, and I’d rather build a relationship with my children. I’m including you in this as well, River. You’re already a daughter to me, regardless of what the future holds for you and Holden. I would also like to offer the house again. There’s plenty of space while everyone decides their next step. It’s, of course, rent-free. I do ask that you clean up after yourselves. If you go out, take one of the bodyguards with you.”

“We will, Mom. Reid and River are still in danger until Opal and Kassandra are caught.”

“Yes,” Reid blurted out, interrupting his brother. “But I need something else, too.”

Catherine’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “You’ll move in?”

“I will. I would like to live here and spend time with you. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

Catherine clutched the napkin, tears welling in her eyes. “What else do you need … son?”

Reid returned her smile. “I don’t have a formal education. I don’t even know where to start. I’d like to work on that while I’m here. Can you help me?”

Holden smiled, widely. “Dude, that’s awesome. I can help, too. Mom knows some really good tutors, if they’re still around. It’s been a few years, but they helped me after Hannah died.”

“Yes! Gina was wonderful. I’ll contact her.” She turned her attention to Reid again. “As you get your GED and begin your college education, maybe we should talk more about the company. If you excel in math and business classes, who knows? Maybe you can work with me for a few years before I retire.”

Holden wadded up his white linen napkin and tossed it on the table. “Damn, Mom. I see how this is going to work. Reid is already the favorite son.”

“Holden Matthew Alastair. You’ve never expressed one iota of interest. Plus, you have your own billions, so don’t get sassy with me.”

Holden threw his head back and laughed. “I’m teasing, Mom. If Reid has found his purpose, I’ll do everything in my power to help him achieve success. I’m clear on my path.”

Reid burst out laughing. “I thought you were serious for a minute, Holden.” Reid rubbed his chin, eyeing his brother. “I’m starting to see how this sibling thing works. We give each other a lot of sh—crap.” He gave his mom a sheepish smile.

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