2. Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Tanner
I ’ve always considered myself a shrewd man when it comes to business, adapting to the situation as necessary, so when my boss Richard Sterling asks me to join him for dinner, I accept without mentioning the resignation letter I printed out that morning.
Before the invitation, I intended to bring the letter to work tomorrow. I decided to resign a couple months ago and have finally gotten everything sorted so I can start my own business, something I’ve dreamed of doing since I started with Sterling Properties seven and a half years ago. It’s time.
Unless Richard has something to offer me that will make me want to stay. Which, admittedly, he has managed to do the last three times I’ve tried to quit. Before I can give him my notice—before he’s even aware of what I’m planning—he offers me a promotion too good to pass up. Richard is a very perceptive man when it comes to his business, keeping people where he needs them, and getting what he wants.
The last promotion had been two years ago, when he’d made me Chief of Operations, basically second in command. I rose through the ranks quickly, a testament to my skills and my willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure the business succeeds, even if the shine of working for one of the top businesses in British Columbia has worn off over the years.
We chat for a while as we order and before the food arrives. Finally, when it does and we’ve taken the first few bites, Richard gets to the point.
“I suppose you’re wondering why I asked you here tonight.”
I take a sip of water, clearing my mouth of the bite of food I’ve just swallowed. “I am. I was surprised when I got the invite. I’ll be joining you for your family dinner in a couple weeks.”
“Yes, yes. Separate things.” He waves his hand as though to dispel the thought. “Well, I suppose they are connected somewhat. You may have heard rumours around the office that I’m considering retirement. My wife insists.”
“I have. Though I wouldn’t put any stock in them until I heard it from you.”
“It’s true,” he says with a sigh, like he doesn’t really want it to be. “Karen wants to travel and says I have to join her. So I’m thinking retirement is the way to go. Unfortunately, I’m in a bit of a position regarding who to leave in charge. While Liam has matured lately, he has no interest in the business whatsoever. He’s been more interested in his music.”
Liam Sterling is Richard’s youngest child. A couple years ago, he would have been out clubbing most nights, which isn’t entirely surprising given how much younger he is. He only turned twenty-six last year. Since then, he’s started building a career as a sound technician. While Richard clearly doesn’t approve of this avenue, he still pays for everything for Liam, allowing the younger man to take his time and only do the jobs that will move him forward.
I don’t speak as I wait for Richard to continue.
“So that leaves me with no one to hand the reins of my company to.”
I blink. “Wait a second. What about Vic?”
“Victoria? I can’t give Sterling Properties to her.” He says the statement like the very idea is ludicrous, then takes a sip of his very expensive scotch.
“Why not?” I ask, mirroring his sip with one of my own. I don’t usually like scotch, but when the boss buys it for you, you drink it. “Blue Vista has been doing great. They bought a second location earlier this year, and from what I hear, it’ll be open in August and is already fully booked for the rest of the summer. They’ve been growing and making excellent dividends.”
Over the years, I’ve tried not to pay attention to Vic’s personal life, even though her father mentions her to me frequently and I see her at the Sterling family dinners that I’ve been required to attend since my last promotion. But I follow her business carefully, cheering her on from afar as it grows.
It’s funny how things work out. I got the position she always wanted, and she’s out there living my dream of entrepreneurship.
Richard rolls his eyes. “Sterling is not the same as some wedding venue. We are positioned globally. What would it look like to have a woman at the helm?”
“It would look like you have faith in your daughter,” I say, my voice flat.
“I’m sure she can run her little business just fine. But I’m not giving her Sterling.”
Vic hasn’t spoken more than a handful of words to me over the past seven years, despite the family dinners I’ve attended. But the rage that fills me on her behalf is indescribable. A rage that stutters with what he says next.
“I’d like to give it to you.”
I catch myself before my mouth can drop open. “Excuse me?”
He smiles as he takes another sip of his scotch.
I don’t mirror him this time. “You want me to take over Sterling?”
“You’ve become like a son to me, Tanner. You’ve done incredibly well, and you could be great in the role of CEO. I won’t lie. Your promotion a couple years ago was to see how you fare in a leadership role at Sterling. I’ve been impressed. I had actually thought it would take at least another three years before I might be comfortable handing the reins to you, but you’ve exceeded my expectations in every regard.”
I’m under no illusions that like a son is code for he knows how to control me because I’ve let him think he can. Admittedly, I’ve allowed Richard to manipulate me sometimes because he knows how to make it worth my while. But I also know every time he’s doing it. Like right now.
“So would I be CEO? Or owner?” I ask, because I’ve learned a lot from Richard Sterling. Not the least is: the devil’s in the details.
“Both,” he says with a grimace. “Karen insists I take a full step back. I figured you’d be promoted to CEO, and I’d transfer fifty per cent of the shares to you. This would make you majority shareholder.”
“You have seventy-five per cent shares,” I point out.
He chuckles. “You can’t expect me to give up everything.”
I lean back in my chair and consider the man across from me. I really have learned a lot from him over the years. Don’t fidget when you’re nervous. Mirror the person you’re speaking with to put them at ease. Never show emotions on your face. And, if a deal sounds too good to be true…
“What’s the catch?”
“Ah, yes. The catch. Well, you see, Tanner, the name of the company is Sterling Properties. Not Marcus Properties. Before I give you my company, I need you to become a Sterling.”
I set my elbows on the table, adjusting my glasses before I clasp my hands in front of my face. My body language is supposed to portray interest, but I really need to do something to keep myself from clenching my fists.
“What exactly are you proposing?”
“Interesting choice of words,” Richard says, taking another sip of his scotch, drawing this out for his own amusement. Sometimes, I hate this man. “You know my daughter’s choice of significant others has been…” he hesitates even though I’m certain he doesn’t care if he’s being polite or not. “Less than what her mother and I would hope.”
What he means is Vic has been mostly dating women for the past several years. Or at least she’s only ever introduced women to her parents. They pretend to accept her in front of people, but I know what Richard says behind closed doors, and it makes my rage burn a little hotter. There are many reasons why I’ve wanted to quit Sterling for the past five years. Richard Sterling is a big part of that.
He leans forward as though we’re conspiring together. I fight not to lean backward.
“Marry my daughter. It’s what’s best for everyone. You’ll become majority shareholder. The business stays in the family. And she’ll get a stable man in her life, put all this bisexual nonsense aside. Win-win.”
“That’s not how that works. Also, did you consider maybe she won’t want to marry me?” I ask.
He scoffs. Actually scoffs. “I’m certain you can persuade her.”
Who does he think his daughter is? Because the Victoria Sterling I know won’t marry me if I’m the last person on earth. Then something occurs to me: she might marry me if I can make it worth her while.
And if she agrees, it might just give me one last chance with the one who got away.
“Can I have some time to consider?” I ask Richard.
He sits back and nods. “Of course. It’s a big decision. But I hope you will agree by Friday.”
That gives me five days. I nod and the conversation moves on. We finish our dinners, chatting about the business, because that’s all Richard ever wants to talk about. The whole time, I’m thinking about his proposal, what I can say to Vic. Because I have a plan. And as much as she hates me, I have a feeling she’s going to like this one.