Chapter Thirty Three
Ryan’s POV
I scooped a spoonful of souffle into my mouth and glanced at my father. He was reading through a report while taking slow bites of his omelet.
The moment his plate was empty, I put down my spoon.
“Father, I’d like to discuss a pressing matter.” I said, breaking the silence.
He sighed. “Just as I suspected.”
“What?” I asked, puzzled.
He placed the report and his reading glasses on the exuberant dining table.
“When was the last time you joined me for breakfast, son? You bolt out of here first thing in the morning.‘
I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.
He shook his head. “What is it?“.
I sat straighter. “Father, why have you not responded to Rosemary’s proposals?”
“They must have slipped through the cracks.” He said, brushing me off. “I get a lot of emails.”
I stood my ground. “You don’t expect me to believe that, do you? It’s been three months.”
He watched me with calculating eyes.
“I ignored her deliberately.”
Anger spiked at his blunt words.
“Why would you purposely ignore her? Surely you can recognize Rosemary’s skill and how it would benefit your company.” There was a hard edge to my voice.
He sipped his coffee before responding coolly.
“Ryan, you can’t pull the wool over my eyes.
My eyebrows furrowed.
“What are you talking about?”
His calm demeanor cracked. “Don’t play dumb with me, son. It’s clear as day that this job is just a hoax.”
I sighed. “Father, I already explained that I want to build my own-”
He stood abruptly, his chair thundering to the floor behind him.
“You’re using this job as an excuse to get closer to Celeste. Your concern for her goes far beyond an ordinary assistant’s scope. You’re besotted with her. God only knows why!”
He panted, nostrils flaring as he glared at me.
My voice was ice cold. “I never told you that Rosemary’s true identity was Celeste. Have you been keeping tabs on me?”
“What else do you expect me to do when you’re wasting your potential at some small startup?”
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Chapter Thirty Three
I was speechless.
He was treating me like some rebellious teenager.
“I’ve done a background check on her.” He said, desperation creeping into his voice. “She’s divorced, Ryan, and a few years older than you. Why are you so fixated on her?”
Were my feelings that obvious?
A torrent of emotion shook me as I thought of all the reasons I’d fallen in love with Celeste. How did I put something like that in words?
I cleared my throat.
“Father, do you remember Celeste?”
His eyebrows creased. “Have I met her?”
“Several times.” I said with a bitter smile. “She lived next door in the suburbs. After mom died, you worked constantly to build Crown Luxe and Steven was away at boarding school. I was so young and so lonely.”
My father softened. “I’m sorry I wasn’t present after your mother died.”
“I understand, father. You were grieving too.” My voice was strained. “But it was Celeste who helped me through my grief. She made it her mission to bring light back into my life.”
He sighed. “Ryan, I’m grateful she was there for you during that difficult time. She was a good friend. Your relationship need not develop into a romantic one.”
“Why?” I asked, aggravated. “Celeste is a good person. Being divorced isn’t-”
My father raised a hand to silence me.
“Enough, Ryan. You’ve said your piece and I’ve given you my answer. There’s nothing more to discuss.”
He motioned to the staff standing silently in the corner. They hurried over and picked up his chair. My father sat down and sipped his coffee as though we weren’t just arguing.
I clenched my fists.
This is how he always handled disagreements.
He said casually. “Oh, it’s a good thing you stayed for breakfast. I wanted to discuss something with you. Steven and your sister–in–law are going on a month–long business trip to Europe next week.”
I nodded, shoveling the rest of my souffle into my mouth.
“They need someone to look after Molly. I told them you would be happy to take care of your niece.” He gave me a pointed stare. “Maybe it’ll give you some time away from Celeste to rethink your relationship.”
My father was nothing if not direct.
There wasn’t a chance in hell his scheme would work, but I could use it to my advantage.
I said. “I’ll look after Molly on one condition.”
“I’m listening.” He said, intrigued.
I pushed my empty ramekin aside.
“I need several good quality pieces of musgravite within the next few days.”
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Chapter Thirty Three
He chuckled. “Procuring rare gemstones wouldn’t be a problem for you if you would just listen to me and accept a position at my company.”
My voice was firm. “So, do we have a deal?”
“For something as simple as sourcing musgravite?” He scoffed. “It’s a deal, son.”
