Page 111 of Crimson Love

It’s my turn to stand and address the room here and across the country. “For the rest of you here, know that I don’t have an agenda. I plan to start at Stonebridge fulltime in the next couple of weeks. I’ll learn the company from the bottom up. If any of you would like to talk to me one on one, I invite that. What I will not do is talk about Lex Warner and what he tried to get away with. The facts will come out sooner rather than later.” I pull in a deep breath and glance at Harlow and Patrick one more time before turning back to the camera. “Let’s get this over with and vote. I have someone outside of this room who needs me, and I’m ready to move on.”

Harlow stands and makes the motion. “Raise your hand if you support the contract between Stonebridge and Helix Dominion.”

The remaining members at headquarters glance around at each other. Two men hold their hands up. I quickly make note to dive into their backgrounds.

Fuck, I’m so on edge after what happened to Lennon, my paranoia is palpable.

Harlow continues. “Those who do not support the merger contract between Stonebridge and Helix Dominion, declare your vote.

The three remaining members raise their hands along with me and my family.

My family.

I still can’t get used to that.

And as soon as I can make it happen, they’ll be Lennon’s family too.

Patrick exhales with relief. “And there we have it. Stonebridge will discontinue all business with Helix Dominion. The pending contract is null and void. We will reconvene at a future date to discuss where to go from here.”

I reach forward and kill the live feed and turn to Patrick and Harlow. “I’m not surprised that was as dramatic as it was, but at least it’s over. They better not let Warner out on bond.”

“Our attorneys in New York are on it. We have contacts all over. We’ll know if any deals will be attempted.” Patrick looks like he’s aged another ten years since I met him. He pulls in a deep breath before taking off his CEO hat and being real with us. “The last year has proven to me that Stonebridge has become a target. I’ve been backstabbed more than once, and my trust betrayed. It makes me more grateful than ever for the two of you. We need to remember this lesson for the rest of our days. The more power and money we attain, the more others want to take us out. I want to protect your future. My grandchildren’s future and their children.”

I glance at Harlow who seems as contemplative as I feel.

“This is what I meant by the two of you need to work together. Find a balance of what you’re good at and support each other. If you only do that for the rest of your long, healthy lives, you’ll succeed in life and business.”

I slide my hands into my pockets. “I appreciate the opportunity.”

“And I’ll do it even though I don’t want to. You know I will,” Harlow agrees. “As long as we find a way to do it from Winslet.”

“I’ll find a balance to do what I need to do to be a part of the company,” I say. “But I like it here. For now, this will be my homebase.”

“Nothing has made me this happy in a long time. Thank you.” Patrick looks emotional for a split second before turning to me. “Now, just to prove I’ve got my priorities straight, go get Lennon and take her back to the manor.”

Not that I needed permission, but I move to the door and do just that. I can’t fucking wait.

T he beauty of small towns is everything is close and easy, which is good. Leaving Lennon in the hospital no matter who was with her was hell after what she’s been through in the last day.

I walk through the door of her room, and I don’t have the chance to greet her or anyone else. Devon is just ending a call. “This is good, Crew. I mean, it’s fucking bad, but it’s good. The Chief is here with me now. I’ll fill him in and get the records to him. He’ll have to find a way to work it backwards.”

I lift my chin to Dean and Payne and go straight to Lennon who smiles up at me.

“I’m busting out of here in the next hour. No offense to my boss, my attorney, and the police chief—they’re quite the team, but I’m glad you’re back.”

I lean down and press my lips to her forehead. “I can’t wait to get you out of here. I don’t need the reminder of how I almost lost you.”

“See what I mean?” Payne points to us from across the room where he and Dean are standing. “I can’t decide if they make me sick to my stomach or jealous.”

Dean grins from ear to ear. “Too sweet for my pallet. I prefer a spicy vinaigrette with a dry cab.”

Payne grimaces. “You don’t need to compare everything to your Italian heritage. You’re consistently ruining food for me.”

Devon disconnects this call and motions to Payne and Dean. “The stories these two have jabbered about from growing up in Winslet together are disturbing. I’d be worried for my future children if I didn’t have the means to follow their every move.”

I perch myself on the side of Lennon’s bed and put my arm around her. She leans into my chest and smiles. “It’s at least been entertaining.”

I cut into the fun and entertainment. The sooner we can get past this the better. “We just watched Lex Warner get dragged off in cuffs during the board meeting. It was more satisfying than I imagined. What did Crew say?”