Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 66753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 334(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 334(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
His lashes lower, a sign there is something in his gaze he fears I’ll read. When he looks at me again, he says, “I’m as loyal as a dog, man. You know that. Which is why I want you to stay around. I know what you’re capable of. Hawk needs you. It won’t survive without you. Everyone knows who really runs this place, and it hasn’t been your father in years.”
He’s not wrong. My father spent his time chasing women or testing me. He checked out of the actual business years ago.
Gavin leans forward, the edge to him softening. “At one point are you going to consider that list?”
“Not now.”
He sits back again, a sharp movement. His lips flatten, his expression indiscernible, before he says, “Then I guess we better find that extra will.” He gets up and claims a spot at the conference table. I sit there and watch him remove a folder and start looking through it, processing what I’m reading off him. I don’t believe Gavin is lying to me. I also don’t believe he’s telling me the entire truth about his motives, which sets off alarms about alliances with the board, or yes, a hostile takeover.
I text Dierk a message: Find out what Gavin’s up to because I think it’s not good. After which, I grab a box and start digging. Bella’s right. I can’t wait to claim the company or my inheritance. Every day is a day the tide could turn, and the sharks come to shore.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Bella
Becker arrives exactly on time. I do like a punctual client. It indicates respect, and you have to give respect to get respect. “How was the show last night?” I ask, motioning him to my conference table, a small four-seater that gets the job done.
“It would have been better had my future agent been there,” he says, claiming a seat as I do the same across from him.
“You wouldn’t have been better because you’re amazing every time you sing,” I say, “and that’s sincere. You’re gifted. But I would have liked to have been there. And I will be in the future.”
“But you weren’t there.” He doesn’t give me time to reply. “I’ll be honest, Bella, I’m all-in with you, but I don’t like the idea of Tyler not being all-in with me.”
“He’s all-in. I promise. I wouldn’t take you on if he wasn’t.” I slide the contract in front of him. “You should have your attorney review this. But it’s fair, I promise. I emailed you a copy as well.” I pause. “Unless you want to talk to Tyler first, which speaking of, he met with Duke. What’s the story with him wanting to work with you and nothing coming of it?”
He looks utterly baffled. “Never heard anything about Duke wanting to work with me. The man’s a legend.”
“Hmmm well, he told Tyler he’s been trying to get you on board. I’ll handle it. I mean, if you sign with me.”
He hesitates a moment, a serious look on his face before he busts out a smile. “You know I’m going to sign with you. You’re already a good decision. My business manager will get you all of my contracts to review once I send over the agency agreement, which I’ll do quickly.”
I glow with this good news, I know I do. “I’m happy. We’re going to do great things together.”
“We are, sunshine. We are. And I mean that because I’m sure are you going be the sunshine my career needs.”
I laugh. “Yes. I will be.”
A few minutes later, he sees himself out and just as he promised, it was a totally appropriate meeting. I’m about to go help Tyler go through the case files when my father calls. “Hello, beautiful daughter,” he greets. “I have news.”
“What news is that?”
“My race next week is cancelled. There are electricity problems at the track, whatever that means. But in light of this change of plans, I made an executive decision.”
When I was a kid that meant he was the boss of me. “Meaning what?” I ask.
“I’m flying in to see you. I can be there for dinner. I want to meet Tyler.”
“You’ve met Tyler, Dad.”
“A handshake in passing is not meeting Tyler. I already called Dash. He and Allie can join us.”
“Why did you call Dash before me?”
“Sibling peer pressure is the best pressure. Dash thinks you should bring Tyler, too.”
When we end our chat, I dial Dash. “Hello, little sis.”
“Did you really tell Dad we should all have dinner with Tyler?” I demand.
“Yes, and I like the idea.” He quickly shifts the topic. “Are we still on for waffles tomorrow morning? You can bring Tyler to that, too.”
“No, we are not. I’ll be recovering from a dinner with you and Dad drilling Tyler.”
He laughs. “It won't be bad. We’ll go easy on him.”