Chapter 35

DYLAN

I stroll into my temporary office on the fifteenth floor of Abbott Corp at exactly five minutes before I'm required to. I already feel claustrophobic in this suit and tie. It's hard to believe I used to wear one every day. It's amazing how easily I've become accustomed to beachwear and bare feet.

I nod at Claire as I pull out the heavy chair and lower my coffee cup to the surface of the mahogany desk. She's on fire this morning, already in full business mode at seven fifty-five, her facial expression signalling that she's most likely dealing with a less than co-operative client. Her voice doesn't waver as she retaliates to his demands in a seamlessly professional manner.

Once again, I find myself feeling as though I've been rendered useless. Much to my father's dismay I'm sure, there were no paparazzi awaiting my entrance to the building this morning.

After what had gone down last week, I had seriously contemplated not bothering to show today. The only reason I've agreed to work, and I use the term ‘work' lightly, is because I'd promised Claire drinks this afternoon. No matter what kind of hell my father is intent on putting me through, it will be worth it to see her shine. She's going to do big things for this company. I can see it now.

There's a manilla folder containing a stack of documents on the desk in front of me, so I decide to busy myself with that while I wait for Claire's instruction. I flip it open, sifting casually through the paperwork when my eyes catch on familiar words. I take another sip of my coffee and freeze when I realise what I'm reading.

This is a real estate contract. For the sale of 31 Palmwood Drive, Seabright Cove. Highlighted in parentheses are two words that turn my blood cold.

"The Elmwood."

The coffee cup falls from my grip, sloshing onto the carpet and up one of my trouser legs. I feel physically ill as I rise to my feet. Claire's voice comes into focus as she wraps up her conversation.

"Okay, Charles. Look into that for me and we can reconvene at the end of next week." Her phone slams down on the desk. "Ugh. Seriously that guy can be so difficult to work with." I look up at her as she pinches the bridge of her nose, then flips her hair over her shoulder. It's a moment before she glances in my direction, no doubt seeing the colour drain from my face. "What's up with you?"

"What is this, Claire?"

"What's what?" she replies, walking toward the desk.

There's a deep crease between her perfectly tinted eyebrows as she slides the manilla folder closer.

"Oh. Dad left this here for us to deal with today. He secured a location for the new boutique hotel. I'm actually really excited about this one. I think it will be a great business move." When I don't reply, she looks up at me again, seeing the hurt in my expression. "Seriously, are you okay?"

"The Elmwood building, Claire? Really?"

"What?" She flips open the folder and her face falls as she scans the top page document. "Oh, Dylan. I had no idea. I promise. This is all Dad's doing."

"Grace is going to be devastated. That studio is her whole life." My nostrils flare in defiance as I saunter to the window, looking out at the traffic below, the pedestrians tiny like ants. "We have to get him to back out. Find somewhere else."

"Find somewhere else for what?" My father's voice jolts me. I swivel around to find him standing in the doorway, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his suit pants.

"Why would you do this, Dad?" I snatch the folder from Claire's grip and shake it in frustration. "Is this your way of punishing me because you don't like my life choices."

"You're being paranoid, Dylan." My father scoffs. "This is simply business. The Elmwood will be a fantastic location. We have big plans for it."

"Yeah. Plans that involve kicking a grandmother out of the studio she's prided herself on for forty years. Not to mention the other business owners in that complex." I should have known something was up when he'd shown even the mildest interest in the Elmwood when I mentioned it. "Why this building? How did you even obtain it so quickly?"

"We weren't the first company to make an offer. Cyncorp has been trying to get them to sell for years. I made an offer that they couldn't refuse," he explains in almost a boastful tone.

"There has to be something else out there," I argue, though I know I'm fighting a losing battle.

My mother was right. When my father wants something, nothing will stand in his way, and he will resort to drastic measures to get it. It's probably why he's taken my exit from the company so hard.

"Come and work for me," he almost demands.

"What? Dad we've been through this already."

"You and Claire could be co-CEOs," he suggests. "If you can find me a better location, I'll tear up the documents."

"Dad!" Claire gasps, clearly as shocked as I am.

I nod. "I see what this is. So, you are punishing me."

"I'm not," he responds. "I'm giving you one last chance. An opportunity of a lifetime."

I'm silent as I move back toward the window. I feel completely defeated. If working for my father meant saving Grace's livelihood, it's an option I should at least consider.

"Come on, Dad," I hear Claire say. "I can look into some more options. There are some great locations near Little Beach that we haven't explored." Her tone is hopeful, and it makes my heart hurt to know that she feels she needs to be the buffer between us.

"That won't be necessary, Claire. It's a done deal," my father says, the finality of his words stinging. "All businesses located in the premises have been notified that they can stay until their rent period is up. It's not personal. Just–"

"Yeah. Just business." I cut him off.

"Exactly." His phone begins to ring, and he answers it, pushing off the door frame. We hear his voice grow distant as he wanders down the hall.

"I'm sorry, Dyl." Claire's hand is on my shoulder. "I had no idea."

My heart aches for Grace. And Mackenzie too. She only just met her grandmother, and this could put serious strain on an already fragile relationship.

But it isn't just their relationship I'm worried about. God only knows what Mackenzie will think of me when she finds out my father is to blame for this.

"This is all my fault." I drop down into the armchair by the window, combing a hand through my hair as I loosen the tie around my neck. "I never should have mentioned the studio in the first place. I put the idea in his head."

"Then I'm as much to blame." Claire sighs. "I'm the one who told him it was the Elmwood."

"He's a snake, Claire. I hope you know what you're dealing with here." What I'm saying might sound harsh, especially when I know that this is my sister's dream job, but I need her to be sure this is the kind of career she wants.

She stares back at me for a long moment before she finally speaks. "I want you to know that I don't agree with what he has done. I'm going to do things differently around here. Maybe I can talk him out of this."

I slump down, my head in my hands. "You heard him. He'll rip up the contract on one condition only."

Claire's frown deepens as she takes in my words. "You're not actually thinking about coming to work here again, are you?"

"What choice do I have?"

"You can't give up everything you've worked for. And I'm not saying this because it means having to share my job title with you." Despite my frustration and sadness, her words make me smile. "I'm saying it because I can see how this place sucks the life right out of you. You were right. You don't belong stuck between four walls in a concrete jungle."

"I know," I agree. "I just need some space to think."

"You won't find space here." Claire's hand squeezes my shoulder, warm and encouraging. "Come on. Let's go to Cliff Haven."

"What?" My eyes snap to hers.

"It's your home." Her gaze softens. "You belong there. So let's go."

I don't need further convincing. Cliff Haven is the only place I want to be right now.

With my girl and my dog.

Blowing out a breath, I stand and follow my sister to the lift. When she pushes the button for the executive parking level, my forehead creases in a frown. "What are you doing? My car is out on the street."

"Yeah. Fuck that," she aims a devious smile in my direction. "We're taking the Ferrari."

I tilt my head to the side in contemplation. "Fair enough."