Chapter 24 Daphne #2
I recognized the name. The company was well known, not just in Australia but around the world. Their organization rivaled Cullen House in both size and annual sales.
“How did he get on our board?” I asked.
“He went to great pains to conceal the affiliation,” said Martin.
“I have no doubt his plan was to figure out a way to sabotage Cullen House after he succeeded in getting me, Hewitt, and Martin off the board,” said my father. “Then undervalue it and sell it to the Palmer Group.”
“Is that legal?” I asked.
“Not in the slightest,” said one of the other men. “By the way, Daphne, I’m Michael Oliver, if you don’t recognize me.”
“Sorry. I do. I’m just struggling with remembering all your names.”
Hewitt nudged Martin. “I told you we should wear badges.”
Beau’s father rolled his eyes. “Get on with it, Michael.”
“Several years ago, Australia passed what’s called the EFI Act, which criminalized corporate espionage. Penalties can result in prison time as well as millions of dollars in damages.”
“What we’re working on now is finding links between the board members Dorian appointed and the Palmer Group,” said Martin. “Even if we’re unable to, once he’s gone, it’s likely they’ll resign anyway.”
The younger man stepped forward. “Daphne, I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m your cousin, err, Noah Cullen. I go by NC to avoid confusion.”
I did remember my father’s brother’s son—who’d been named for my dad like Hewitt Ridge’s oldest son had—but it had been years since I last saw him.
“I’ve been working for Cullen House since I graduated from university.”
“NC has been working undercover, if you will, to gather information about the board members Dorian appointed,” said Martin.
Part of me wondered why I hadn’t been informed prior to now, and another part was just happy to know there were others at Cullen House in my father’s corner.
My eyes scrunched. “What’s the next step?”
My father got up and, with the help of a walker, crossed the room and stood in front of me. “I love you with all my heart, Daphne. Your mother and I have appreciated everything you’ve done for us—for me, in particular—but it’s time for you to go home.”
My eyes filled with tears, and I leaned forward and rested my head on his shoulder. “I don’t know where that is anymore,” I whispered.
“Of course you do.”
I shook my head. “What if he no longer wants me?”
Beau rubbed my shoulder. “Trust me, Daph. He does. He’s just too stubborn to do anything about it.”
My mum walked over and stood beside my dad. “If we thought for one minute you’d be happy here, we’d be thrilled for you to stay. But you won’t be. Follow your dreams, sweetheart. Better put, return to them.”
I looked around the room and stopped when my eyes met Tryst’s.
“The path is right in front of you, Daphne. All you have to do is take it.”
I closed my eyes and nodded, remembering the day he’d brought me to the temple at his ranch. As I was walking in, he’d said those same words to me.
I turned to my father. “What about Cullen House?”
“I intend to return to work as soon as the doctors clear me. And NC will be taking over as vice president.”
I glanced at my cousin, then at my mother, then back at my father.
Again, I was irritated that I hadn’t been informed of any of this, but had I left California and returned to Perth to take over my parents’ business?
No. I came because my dad had a stroke. The only reason I’d gotten involved at all was because I inadvertently learned about Steve Dorian when he called to demand I meet with him and the board after likely learning I held my father’s power of attorney.
That set forth a chain of events that could only be described as a trainwreck.
“May I have some privacy to speak with my parents?” I asked, looking around the room.
“Come with me,” said Beau, ushering the men into another part of the house.
For the first time since I laid eyes on him today, I was grateful he was here.
Beau and I had history, and we were friends—good ones.
Later, after I’d spoken to my mum and dad, I’d apologize and thank him for being here.
His only agenda was to help, and in doing so, he’d left Sam in the States.
I felt horrible for the way I’d treated him.
I motioned to the table, and the three of us took a seat. “Dad, are you sure this is what you want to do?”
“If you mean going back to work, then yes. As far as NC is concerned…” He sighed and rested his chin on his hand.
“Daphne, this isn’t where you belong. Your mum and I love you so much, and we miss you an equal amount, but neither of us can stand by and watch you throw away your chance at happiness for something none of us ever intended. ”
“But—”
My mother put her hand on mine. “Let him finish, sweetheart.”
“I’ve known for years that you had no interest in running Cullen House, and it never bothered me. Your mother and I just want you to be happy.”
Tears ran down my cheeks, and my mother squeezed my fingers.
“For the last several months, your dad and I have talked about selling so we could retire and spend more time in California. Now might not be the time to do so, given whatever damage Dorian may have done; however, it’s still an idea.
In the meantime, NC will handle most of the day-to-day things your father looked over.
He’s never once asked us for anything, by the way.
In fact, your father wasn’t aware he’d applied for a job until HR contacted him and said they’d received an application from someone with his same name. ”
“He’s earned this, darling,” my dad added.
I nodded.
“Your dream is to live and work in the vines,” he continued. “It always has been. As you reminded me every morning, you do have a master’s degree in both viticulture and enology.”
I chuckled. “And you reminded me I wasn’t cut out for running the business.”
He smiled. “This is about more than your dream of making wine, sweetheart. It’s about a life with the man you love.
I cannot sit by and let you turn your back on what makes everything we do worthwhile.
” He reached across the table and rested his hand on top of my mum’s and mine.
“Love, Daphne, and family. It’s all that matters. Now, go home.”
“Okay. I’ll go.”
“Excellent. Now, hurry and pack,” Beau said from behind me.
“Eavesdropper,” I muttered.
“Listen, if we don’t leave in the next two hours, we won’t be there in time for the Wicked Winemakers bachelor auction,” he said.
“I thought you were engaged or married or something. Are you really going to make Sam bid on you?”
“I’m not the bachelor, Daph. Cru is.”