My Dark Romeo: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance(75)
“Our tech is dated compared with Licht’s.” I found what I was searching for—a list of weapons and artillery Licht Holdings manufactured for a fraction of our retail price—and slid it his way. “Not to mention, they’re simply more affordable. They manufacture in the South, while you stayed in New England, where minimum wage is much higher. They also struck some lucrative deals with steel and chip companies.”
Senior shoved the document back to me like a toddler refusing new food. “I don’t want to see this. I want you to come up with solutions.”
“Make me CEO and I will.”
“Do it. Then I’ll make you CEO.”
Senior once enjoyed a youthful, handsome face. When Licht Holdings entered the picture, I’d deliberately failed to stop them.
In the years since, he’d sprouted grays, wrinkles, and dark circles. Truth was, he loved Costa Industries enough to bow out and watch me save it.
It was his legacy.
The only thing his good-for-nothing father (see a theme here?) had left him.
“Look.” He tossed his arms up. “It’s no secret I’m no longer cut out for this. I’ve wanted to retire for a year now. The only reason Bruce is even in the running to take my place is because I cannot completely trust you not to do something deranged to get back at me.”
He’d hit the nail on the head, then rammed it through a twenty-inch wall.
But I’d hardly ever admit it.
“You think too highly of yourself. I want the CEO position because I deserve it. And because no one would take care of this company as well as I would. I am the heir apparent.”
“Also, apparently a vindictive asshole.” He raked his silver hair. “I’ve seen what you’ve done to poor Madison Licht for doing much less than I did to you.”
“Madison Licht is not poor, and the extent of what he did to me you will never know.”
“Even so, relieve us of the Licht problem, and I’ll give you the CEO position. One last hoop to jump through. Promise.”
I remained silent.
So long, in fact, he jerked his leg under the desk.
“I will need this in writing.”
He nodded. “I’m happy to sign.”
“My lawyers will be in contact with yours.” I collected my documents, happy to get as far away from him as possible.
“You should thank me, you know.”
Because clearly, being an accomplished waste of natural resources simply wasn’t cutting it, he had to be delusional about it, too.
“Which part?” I feigned interest. “The crappy upbringing or the bit where you ruined my one and only semi-normal relationship?”
Though it had to be said—Morgan bore responsibility, too.
No one forced her to open her legs to my father.
“The part where Morgan clearly wasn’t the woman you’re destined to marry, just as I warned you. In the few months you’ve known your wife, you’ve escaped your shell, lived a little, used your potty mouth again.”
“Yes, Dallas deserves a Pulitzer for driving me to sacrilege.”
“Point is, you found someone better.”
“You’ve taken a liking to her, haven’t you?”
“Of course.”
“Last time that happened, you acted on your feelings.” I stood. “There won’t be a second time, Father. If you get anywhere near Dallas, I’ll kill you with my own hands. Make it extra messy, too.”
His smile faltered. “Why do you think I’d make the same mistake twice?”
I towered over him. “Because you can’t help yourself. From the moment I was born, you wanted everything I had. And me? I’ve only wanted one thing you own—your title.”
Ollie vB
@ZachSun, want to know what I did with the 50K you gave me?
Zach Sun
Donated it to the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free?
Ollie vB
Wow.
So surprised you never got invited to the illegal raves at Harvard.
Romeo Costa
Go ahead and enlighten us, @OllievB
Ollie vB
I bought a piece of art.
Zach Sun
You did no such thing.
Romeo Costa
@ZachSun, I think he’s referring to vintage Playboy editions.
Ollie vB
Har har, o ye of little faith.
Zach Sun
Penthouse limited edition?
Ollie vB sent an image to the group.
Romeo Costa
First, assure me that opening this file won’t land me on the FBI’s watch list.
Ollie vB
The amount of abuse I’m subjected to in this group will land me on a therapist’s couch one day.
Zach Sun