Chapter 35
Decisions
“I expect you’ll tell me why this can’t wait till after the party,” Sebastian said, entering the suite. Behind him, outside, the big burly bodyguard closed the door with a soft click.
George was pouring some scotch in two glasses. “Sit down, son,” he said, not looking up. “I have a flight in two hours. I’m sure your fawning minions could do without you for a few minutes.”
“They’re called employees,” Sebastian sat down on one of the two large leather chairs in the middle of the room. “I have to be getting back soon, so let’s make this quick.”
“Ah, yes, your date.” George handed him a drink. “Funny, I never saw you as one to get friendly with the help.”
“I would think you would be the last to object, seeing as you’ve been ... friendly with just about every assistant you’ve employed.” The words felt bitter in Sebastian’s mouth, but he kept his face impassive. The best way to deal with his father was to keep his emotions in check.
He took a sip of his drink and waited.
“True,” George said. “However, I’ve never given them any of your mother’s jewelry. Come now,” he added, sensing the barely-concealed surprise in the younger man’s face. “Did you assume I wouldn’t notice?” George took a seat across from him. “I may not have been the most attentive husband, but I do remember giving her that bracelet for our first anniversary.”
“You’re right. I didn’t think you’d remember,” Sebastian conceded. “Nevertheless, my mother’s jewelry was left to me. If I recall, you weren’t interested in anything of hers. You’d already gotten majority shares of her family’s real estate company, she had nothing else you were interested in.” He looked around the large room, feigning boredom. “Is that all you came to tell me? Because I have a date waiting.”
“She’s very sweet, your son’s tutor. A little too innocent, perhaps. Are you wary of leaving Benson in her care for just a few minutes?”
“Victoria is the one person I trust the most,” Sebastian said, looking at him pointedly.
George chuckled. “You’d trust her with your life? How about your future, would you trust her with that? What about your son’s future?”
Sebastian’s fingers tightened around his glass. “Leave Ben out of this.”
“You don’t get to play babysitter for a few years and expect to know what’s best for that boy,” George said.
“You would know more than anyone, I suppose.” Sebastian looked him in the eye. He didn’t like where this conversation was going. When he was informed right after his speech that George wanted to see him urgently, he braced himself for the usual argument about how badly he was running the company. How it may have been a mistake for George to risk his reputation and his interest in the bank on an ungrateful son who refused to listen to his advice.
“Elizabeth is making her move soon,” George said, not taking his bait. “She already has three other board members on her side. They’re afraid the company isn’t ready for the expansion in China, and they’re rallying the rest to put a stop to it. That means getting rid of you.”
“It’s hardly an expansion. It’s a partnership.” Even as he spoke, Sebastian knew what his father said made perfect sense.
“Call it whatever you like. The truth is, all company resources will be geared towards fulfilling its part of this deal. And we’re already in tenuous footing against the local competition.”
“You said she was impressed we pulled off the Beijing deal.”
“Only because they didn’t expect you could do it. It’s not your abilities they’re doubting, it’s the soundness of your decisions.”
“I suppose you’re here to give me advice on what decisions I should be making.”
“No, but now that you brought it up, I’m here to tell you that firing Elton has gotten the board worked up. I don’t suppose you’ll tell me why you did that?”
“He couldn’t be trusted.”
“You know, I’ve pissed off a good many people in my time, son. But making an enemy of a man who’s golf buddies with two state senators was astoundingly stupid.”
“We’ll manage without him.” Sebastian tried not to show his discomfort toward the topic of Elton Lowry. Had he been too brash in getting rid of the man? On hindsight, conspiring with a jilted would-be lover sounded like a rather insubstantial reason for firing a senior vice president.
George leaned forward. “You and I may not see eye to eye on most things, Sebastian, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let that woman and her sniveling cohorts take away your control over your company.”
“You mean your company, don’t you, Dad?”
George shrugged. “I think in this case, you will agree we’re on the same side.” He leaned back in his seat and grinned wryly. “I’m not getting any younger, son. And you and Benson are all I have left. This company is our legacy. It’s worth more than any amount of money you or I can leave that boy when we’re dead. Years of hard work. Sacrifice. Your mother understood.”
“Ah yes. I was wondering when you’d bring her up.” It was only because of decades of practice that Sebastian was able to keep his anger in check. “Have you ever even loved her, Dad?”
“I did. In my own way, I did.” George took a sip of his scotch. He swallowed the drink slowly, his eyes on his son. “And I think she loved me too. She loved you, and Eric. And do you know what? She loved the company. She knew what she had to give up for the Mattheson Corporation to achieve what it did. She did it for you.” His gaze turned away. “She did it for you and Eric.”
“This is all very touching, George, but get to the point.”
“My point is, there’s a beautiful woman downstairs who wants you, son.” George smiled. “And it’s not the one babysitting your nephew.”
Sebastian was quiet for a few moments. He rested his elbow on the armrest and studied the side of his glass. “I guess the Texas governor’s seat is a done deal, then?”
“Gov. Granger is going to take a shot at the White House, as you know. Clare Hildebrand’s only real competition is a congressman who’s waking up in a few days to the biggest sex scandal expose since Clinton and his interns.”
“And you had nothing to do with that, I presume.”
“Nothing I can admit to, no.” George smiled smugly. “But it would be wise to take advantage of this opportunity.”
“Brooke is vulnerable right now.” Sebastian’s anger felt cold in his chest. “But you knew that, didn’t you?”
“So she’s already told you.” George shook his head. “Poor thing. I never gave it much thought, but it seems sometimes even smart, confident women get into abusive relationships. But her ex — well. The son of a bitch is out of the picture now.” He lifted his drink slightly. “You and she were good together, even I could see that. You’re just what she needs right now.”
“What she needs right now,” Sebastian said, trying to keep his voice calm, “is to not be manipulated into one of your schemes.”
“I’d like to think I’m doing what’s best for the young lady. Clare is a dear old friend, after all. Brooke is like a daughter to me. And for God’s sake, Sebastian, she still loves you. You’ll be good for her. And she’ll be ...” He smiled. “She’ll be the best decision you’ll ever make in your life. You’ll have everything. A beautiful, loving wife. A son. A family. Your position at the company will be uncontested. This is what I want for you, son.”
“She’s not what I want. And as for decisions,” Sebastian added, setting down his drink. “I’ve already made mine.” He stood up.
“That redhead?” George frowned. “My boy, no one is asking you to give her up. You like her well enough, even I can see that.”
Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. What was his father getting at?
George sighed. “I’m not the heartless monster you think I am,” he continued. “If you like the girl, keep her. No one’s expecting you to stay faithful, Sebastian. Not even Brooke.”
“You don’t know her,” Sebastian said. “And you don’t know me.”
“I do, son. Hell, everyone knows about you and your women. Brooke was a sweet girl, but she’s all grown up now. She’s practical about these matters. You think Clare bothers to hide her lovers from her daughter? Who do you think makes restaurant and hotel reservations for them, for God’s sake?”
Sebastian shook his head. “Unbelievable. You’ve really outdone yourself this time, dad.”
“If Victoria is as smart as I think she is, then she probably doesn’t expect you to be faithful either. I’m betting she knows about your women, eh? Everybody does. She won’t have any delusions about you. She’ll agree to whatever .. conditions you offer her. You won’t lose her, I promise you that.”
“What is wrong with you people?” Sebastian said, no longer bothering to hide his anger. “You live selfish lives. And you take your young and destroy whatever ... good they have left in them.”
George stood up. “You’re angry. That’s fine, I understand,” he said, nodding. “That’s why we’re giving you a few days to think about it.” He cocked his head. “When you’re done with this childish outburst of self-righteousness, come see me. I’m hosting a party in Fort Worth for Clare this weekend. It will be the perfect time and place to announce your and Brooke’s engagement.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Sebastian said. He tried not to let his father’s self-satisfied grin bother him. Without another word, he turned to leave.
The phone rang. He heard George pick it up.
“Hello,” George said. His voice sounded cheerful, like nothing bothered him at all. “It’s for you, son.”
Sebastian frowned, but he closed the door. He walked slowly towards his father, who held out the phone to him.
“It sounds urgent,” George added.
Sebastian took the phone. “Yes?” he said, wondering who would be calling him on this line.
“Mr. Chase?”
It was Frank. It was odd. His assistant would have called him on his cellphone. It was then that Sebastian realized he’d put his phone on mute right before his speech, and forgotten to turn the ringer back on.
“What is it, Frank?”
“Sir, I’m afraid there’s been an accident.”
***
Victoria opened her eyes. The fluorescent lights above her were blinding, and she turned her head to the side. She could hear familiar voices.
“Nicolette?” she said, her voice sounding weak to her ears.
“Babe!” Nicolette stood up from the table and rushed over to hug her. “What the hell, Vic,” she said. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“About time you woke up,” said someone else.
“Sandi?” Victoria said, blinking. “You guys are here.” When Nicolette let go of her, she found herself in another hug.
“Of course, we are, silly,” Sandi said, squeezing her tight. “Casey’s at work — some drawn-out libel case involving some Hollywood director — but he said to let him know when you’re awake. He says after he finally makes partner, he’ll be sure to be present for all your future hospital stays.”
“That’s good to know, I guess,” Victoria said, still feeling disoriented. She struggled to sit up, and felt her body ache. “How long have I been out? Oh, God, where’s Benson?”
Nicolette and Sandi exchanged looks. “Sweetie—” Nicolette started to say.
“Is Benson all right?” Victoria felt her tears spill down her cheeks. “Oh, God, please tell me he’s all right.”