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She finally put the cup down.
“The things I am about to reveal to you will be difficult for you to hear, but I need you to promise me that it will stay between us, Daniel.”
“Yes, whatever you tell me will not leave this room.” There was no way this was going to be as interesting as she was making it sound.
“Your father is dying,” she said as tears clouded her eyes.
Wait, what? I definitely didn’t hear her right.
Dying? That was impossible.
He was as strong as an ox, and he demonstrated youthful exuberance even more than I did. Plus, he was far too stubborn to die.
“What do you mean, he's dying?” More emotion was laced in my voice than I had intended. Or that I thought would ever be there for that man.
“He told me he was dying,” she said as she had another sip of vodka. She was serious. A part of me still wanted to doubt it, but knowing the sly old fox, he’d probably forget to tell me something as important as that. This was bad. Really bad.
“How? Why? When? Have you heard from his doctors yet? The old man might be playing at something.”
“Daniel, I am so sorry.”
“He wasn’t planning to tell me, was he?” I realized I was sad that he wouldn’t even tell me he was dying.
“He said the time wasn’t right,” she replied.
“Did he tell you when, exactly, the timing would be right for this conversation?”
“When you all are no longer at each other’s throats,” she pointed out. I laughed.
“I can understand why he didn't want to tell me, but what I don't get is why you’re here telling me. What is it that you want?” I coarsely asked. “If my father dies, I'm going to have to take over the company. Jamie and Xander will protest, and Damien will… oh.”
“There will be nothing left for Damien,” she confessed.
“So, you’re here to make sure I have plans for Damien?”
“I am here to tell you about your father, nothing more.”
“Are you sure about that?” I asked.
“Yes, but I do think leaving the company in Damien’s care will be of great benefit to us both.”
“What makes you think so?” I inquired. I held all the cards here, and I made sure she knew that, too. I had a feeling that my father wasn't actually going to die anytime soon.
“I know that you don't want to work in your father’s company and that you have other plans.”
“Yes, I do. But if what you’re saying about Dad is true, then I might have to rethink my plans.”
“You don’t have to. We both know that my son is more than capable of leading the company.”
“Once the company gets back on its feet and my deal with your husband expires, I will step down. But not for Damien.”
“Excuse me?” she asked.
“You heard me. I am not stepping down for Damien.” I took a long sip of coffee. “I would advise you to try to convince Jamie and Xander, but I'm very sure they would start a war if they find out that you are trying to make Damien next in line for the crown.”
“What if I told you that I've done that already? What if I've already convinced your father to make Damien the head of his company?”
I regarded Anastasia for a long moment. Florence was right. She was dangerous.
