Chapter 15 #3
Shit, he was too damn sexy . The minute he noticed the distress clearly on my face, Christian’s handsome features twisted in concern, but I had to focus on Alex.
“What do you mean he’s trying to shut me down?”
“He called for an emergency board meeting.”
“A board meeting? What, why?”
"Official agenda says 'Review of Unauthorized Use of Whitney Name and Resources.' Valerie called in a panic last night. He specifically mentioned your Crescent Falls project."
I shut my eyes and tried to process this bullshit. "How did he find out?"
"No idea, but he's furious. Claims you're undermining Whitney International's planning and creating brand confusion."
"That's bullshit, Alex. I'm using my own money and my own team. The only Whitney involved is me. The property isn't even in a market Whitney International cares about."
"You know that's not the point. He thinks any Whitney development is automatically his business." Alex sighed. "I'll do what I can but prepare for a fight. He's really fucking pissed."
"I'm not backing down on this. Promise me you’re on my side."
"Didn't think you would. Just be ready, and yes, I’m on your side. I have to go. Let me know when you touch down. Love you, Scot.”
“Love you too.”
My father's interference was predictable but still infuriating. Gerald Whitney thought he controlled everything, including his children's lives.
I had intentionally kept this project separate just for that reason. I knew once my father discovered my plans, he would either try to take over or shut it down.
“What’s wrong?”
Before I could respond to Christian, my phone was vibrating with a text, so I held my hand up, asking him to give me a minute.
James: Whitney International legal department is asking for project docs for the board review. Instructions?
Me: Dad is moving faster than I expected.
Me: No response until I give direct approval. Forward any new communications to me.
"Just family stuff."
"Family stuff tends to affect everything. What’s that about a board meeting?"
“My father is trying to shut down what I’m doing here. He called an emergency board meeting to force me out of this deal."
“Out of the deal or away from me?”
I tensed and he added, “Relax, he doesn’t know you’re here, in my home. What I meant is that my name is attached to this project. I got a few calls today from people I’m assuming were doing his dirty work. They asked questions I refused to answer.”
“I can’t believe him.”
"It’s not a big deal. Information is power. I prefer having both. Will this board meeting be a problem for you?"
"No. My father controls Whitney International, not me or my personal investments."
"I’m going to make some calls to see if I can help."
“You don’t have to. I can?—”
“Me helping doesn’t mean you’re incapable, Scot.”
Something in his tone sounded as if he meant more than just with business.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. How’s my car?”
“A small scratch from a parking situation but nothing serious. You can barely notice it.”
I swear this man looked like he wanted to murder me and I smiled. He narrowed his eyes and shook his head but the moment was interrupted when my phone vibrated with another call. My body tensed and flooded with anger at the name on the screen.
“Your father?” Christian noticed my mood shift and motioned to my phone. I shook my head.
“No, one of his flunkies.”
“Answer and put it on speaker.”
“No…”
“Answer the phone, Scot,” he demanded and my pussy thumped in response which had me swiping my screen. Justin calling me damn sure wasn’t a coincidence, not with my father trying to shut me down.
"Scotlyn…”
“What do you want, Justin?"
"I’m just checking in. When I heard you were developing in Crescent Falls, I had to see for myself. That’s outside of Whitney’s usual territory, isn't it?"
"This isn't a Whitney International project, but I'm sure you already know, so again, what do you want?”
"Your father is concerned. This venture with Devereaux has implications you might not realize."
And there it was.
"My father asked you to call me as what? His messenger? His spy?"
"As a friend," Justin countered smoothly. "To both you and your family."
"We haven't been friends in a very long time. Not since I discovered you were more interested in Whitney holdings than me."
“That’s not exactly true but I didn’t call to argue with you, Scotlyn. Devereaux isn't someone you should be involved with."
"You don’t know shit about my partnership with Christian."
"I know the Devereaux family has connections that could create problems for the Whitney reputation. Your father has genuine concerns."
"How convenient and I'm sure your sudden interest has nothing to do with Harrington Properties trying and failing to get this same waterfront property last year. Did my father make you a promise about working something out for you if you convince me to walk away from it?”
“No. Why the fuck do you always think the worst of me?"
“Oh I don’t know, maybe because you wanted to fuck me to gain access to my family name. Now let me be clear, this is my project, using my personal resources, and neither you nor my father has any say in it. You can tell him I'll address his concerns at the meeting but the outcome won't change."
“You're making a mistake. Your father is prepared to protect the Whitney brand if necessary."
"Is that a threat?"
"It's reality. At least consider bringing this under Whitney International. It would solve a lot of problems while still giving you creative control."
I almost laughed at the very obvious manipulation. "Goodbye, Justin. I have work to do."
“You’re the same as always. A stubborn little girl trying to prove to Daddy that you can survive in our world. You can’t, Scotlyn. This partnership proves that. Think about what you're risking. Is this independence worth losing everything you've built?"
I didn't answer. Instead I ended the call.
Dad's tactics were predictable, sending Justin, knowing our history would add emotional pressure and piss me off.
I was sure he assumed that would make me do something stupid or just give in.
What wasn't predictable was how little effect it had on me.
In the past, I might have reconsidered, found some compromise to keep the family peace.
Not this time. Fuck Justin and fuck my father if he couldn’t stay out of this.
“That’s definitely not a coincidence.”
I shook my head and sighed. “No, my father is very intentional. Justin and I have a past. Before I was married, he was someone my father tried to push me off on. He got smarter with my husband.”
Christian frowned. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s something?”
“It’s really not.” I didn’t want to explain to Christian how I stupidly thought I was choosing love and ended up marrying a man no different than Justin. “I have to figure this out.”
“We will figure it out.”
“It’s not your problem, Christian.”
“Yes, actually it is, for a lot of reasons. No one knows I’m not legally tied to this project. But they do know my name is attached to it. That means its success is a reflection of my name as well as yours…”
He moved closer and dropped one of his hands to my waist and the other to my face.
“But the most important reason I consider this my problem is because you’re mine for the duration of this contract.
That means you get all of me, my resources and my care.
We will figure it out.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead and my stomach flipped.
I smiled even though I was frustrated and I wanted to cry. It had been a long time since anyone offered to stand with me instead of trying to control me or put me in my place.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m going to make some calls then I’m going to make you dinner and you’re my focus for the rest of the night.”
I felt my body tremble with the thought of what that meant but he smiled smugly.
“Not in the playroom, but don’t worry, I promise I got you.
” He dropped another kiss to my forehead then walked away, leaving me with a throbbing pussy and feeling emotionally supported by a man for the first time in years.