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“It’s not the worst, but I wish I were back at the office and not listening to the constant nagging of a middle-aged man talking about how to run a business. As if I don’t already know.”
“You are just like your father, do you know that? Always thinking that you know everything.”
“As much as I don’t want to agree, you got me there. But is it not the truth?”
“Archer, you know that’s not the point—”
I cut her off. “Then what is the point?”
She sighed. “How about we switch the subject and move on to something different?” she suggested.
“Gladly.” I stood and walked over to my mirror as I began pulling off my shirt.
“Have you no modesty, Archer?” she asked, sitting at the edge of my bed, and I shrugged.
“You’re in my room, Mother. I can very much do whatever I please.”
I finished removing my shirt and grabbed the one I would wear for the rest of the day.
Her eyes went to another shirt tossed on my bed, and slowly, she began to fold it, a small smile coming across her face.
“Your brother is coming home today.”
I froze in front of the mirror, and I felt her eyes on me once again.
Gaining my composure, I shrugged as I pulled on my shirt. “His arrival was today? I had completely forgotten. Send him my regards, will you?”
She sighed. “Archer, I want you to make an effort—”
“You act like I haven’t been trying for the last seven years. I think that’s long overdue, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Stephan loves you, Archer. He’s just not in the right place to show he does. Give him time.”
“I think I’ve given him more than enough time,” I said harshly, but I knew she could see through my tough exterior.
A knock was heard at the door, and I spoke.
“Come in.”
Pierce, my father’s longtime butler, walked through. “Sir Lockwood has requested that you two come to his office to greet Stephan as he has just returned.”
Vivienne nodded. “Thank you, Pierce. We’ll be over in just a moment.”
He closed the door, and I grabbed my suit jacket and phone.
“You’ll come to see him with me, won’t you?” Vivienne whispered softly. I could see the pleading look in her eyes as she asked, and it saddened me. It breaks her every day that her sons aren’t getting along. Blood or not, she treats me the same as him and only wants the best for us. It was Stephan who made things different, who let money and power go to his head.
Did I want to inherit my father’s business? I surely did, but if I could do it with him by my side, it would be even better. I wouldn’t even mind working lower than him. That was to be determined by my father, but Stephan didn’t see it that way. It was a constant battle in his mind that could only have two outcomes, neither of which had to do with us working together as brothers.
I nodded at her. “I’ll go see him, but I have a few things scheduled with Sterling, so I won’t be here long.”
She smiled brightly and walked to the door. “I’ll see you downstairs then.”
I nodded my head, and she walked out, leaving me in silence. I sighed heavily as I grabbed the rest of my belongings before leaving my room.
I went down the stairs and entered my father’s office, only to see him sitting at his desk. He was conversing with Stephan, sitting on the couch with Vivienne beside him. I cleared my throat, and Stephan’s eyes made their way over to me.
“Stephan… I see you’ve returned home.”
