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My heart aches—that’s how I’m doing. Though Evie and I weren’t romantic, she was still my best friend, the best damn ad executive I ever knew, a model of excellence for me and everyone who knew her. “I miss her, sir.”
“Of course. You loved her deeply. And Liam is proof of that.”
I swallow hard and try not to look like living, breathing evidence of a huge, fat lie. “True, sir. True.”
“Well, there’s more to this visit, Kase, than just smiles and questions. I wanted to let you know that my lawyers are working on contracts to pass off the business to you.”
If a cough could make your head explode, that’s what nearly happens. My windpipe fills with spit, sending me sputtering for a second. I have to turn my head and collect myself. “Excuse me?” Evie’s father wants to pass off their multi-billion ad agency to me? The same one I’ve admired my whole life?
“Well, of course, you’re my son-in-law, and my daughter’s no longer here. You’re the only man for the job. Without you, Newfound Ad Agency wouldn’t be where it is. They’re lucky to have you.”
“But sir, I would never expect to take over your business…”
“Nonsense, if Evie’s not alive to run it, then nobody else will do the job. I’ll order to have the place shut down.” He puffs his cigar, luckily being content to suck on it without lighting it inside the house. “However, as the husband of my late daughter and father of my grandson, it would give me peace of mind to know the business will have a family legacy, Kase, so think about it and let me know.” He taps the back of his wheelchair.
Nettie stands, indicating he’d like to go.
One good thing about Roper’s visits—they’re short.
The family business. Only the most prestigious ad agency in the country.
Mine?
For billions and billions of dollars?
For the first time in a while, since Evie’s death, I feel sick and teeter on the edge of throwing up. The room swirls around me, bends then rights itself again. I’m not fit for this position and I know it. I’m not the man Roper thinks I am. I’m a fake, a good ad exec, yes, but not the right man for this job. But if he shuts down, Evie’s legacy goes with it. Everything she worked hard for.
I can’t let that happen.
I can’t be a fraud either.
What the fuck will I do? First came Evie’s death, then I got full custody of Liam, then Alana entered this crazy shit show, and now Roper’s thrown a curveball at me.
The moment he leaves the house, I head upstairs, ignoring Liam’s bubbly laughs, ignoring Alana giving me strange looks from the living room, ignoring her burning urge to ask me a million questions. I ignore my phone, all texts and calls, and head straight to bed. Despondent, not knowing what the fuck I’m going to do, I lay on my bed and stare at the ceiling for the rest of the day.
Now would be a good time to pray.
If only I believed.