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My fists clench. “Of course I’m aware.”
I just never brought it up because I didn’t think it mattered. At the end of the day, I was still kicked out and punished for my mistakes.
“The identity sphere recorded the highest sales our company had ever seen that year. It did exceptionally well,” my father informs me. “Something you created, Graham.”
That surprises me. I had no idea it was such a success. Probably because he didn’t tell me.
“Is this some sort of thank-you?” I question, confused.
“No. I’m not going to thank you for contributing to our family’s empire. But I do want you to know that I see your efforts. I’ll be honest, you weren’t my first choice. You’re too brash, hot-headed, and I assumed you had no sense of duty or responsibility. But that’s changed in the past year. You’ve matured a lot.”
Do my ears deceive me or did my father actually just compliment me?
He continues. “Your mother was just in here and she practically threatened me. She said she would never forgive me if I took the company away from you.”
My eyes widen. I can’t believe my mom said that. And I can’t believe it worked. He looks discomfited at the thought, and it’s the first time I realize that he actually does care about her. Somewhere deep inside him, he has a heart.
“Although I was under the impression that you were the one walking away from it,” my father states.
I swallow against the lump in my throat. “You told me I couldn’t be with the woman I love.”
“Because her identity is a complication.”
“I don’t care about her identity.”
A strange look passes over my father’s face. “Yes, I can see that now. Alright, Graham. You win.”
My eyebrows rise. “I’m sorry?”
“I’m going to let you be. Continue to see this Russo girl if that’s really what you want.”
I feel a little lightheaded at that statement, unwilling to believe those words are actually coming out of my father’s lips.
“I’ll be stepping down in a couple of months. With regard to whether you will be my successor, the decision will not be up to me. There’ll be a vote by the members of the board. If you lose, then what happens next is entirely out of my hands.”
My throat dries. “I’m not going to lose,” I state.
“You won’t if you work hard enough,” my father agrees. “You can go. I’m done speaking.”
I get to my feet, feeling a little dazed. Did the past few minutes really just happen? I leave my father’s office and head downstairs to my mother and sister, who make me recount the entire conversation. Once I’m done, my mother gives me a hug.
“I’m so proud of you, Graham,” she says softly.
Mikayla’s even happier about the turn of events than me. She grins, reaching up to kiss my cheek. “You’ll be the best CEO, big brother.”
A part of me can’t believe that the path ahead is suddenly so clear. I have what I’ve always wanted.
And even better, I’ve got the woman of my dreams.
CHAPTER 26
Isabella
Graham: The plane will land in an hour, Sunshine. I can’t believe you convinced me to fly commercial.
Igrin as I read the text. Graham has been in D.C. the past two days with his family. I was so relieved when he called to tell me how his talk with his father went.
Me: You’re in first class, Gray. You’ll live.
