Page 78 of Cameron's Contract

“You were always destined for this.”

“No, Henry.” My heart rate took off and I ran through my options. “I’ll be by your side—”

“You are Cole Tea, Cameron.”

“Don’t do this, Henry. Not now. Now’s the time to celebrate.”

“There’s no joy in any of it for me. I had to stop myself from yawning during those board meetings. They went on and on and on. All this business jargon that I really have no interest in. Hate those bastards for betraying us. Gone was the camaraderie I’m used to, the loyalty.”

“Stork was loyal. He secured a poison pill for the board. They all signed a contract that ensures they’re gone.”

“Serves them right.” Henry looked at me. “I can’t wait to see you deliver that news.”

“I’ll let Dad do the honors.”

“Someone got to them.”

“We’ll find out who.”

“He was seconds from signing it. You might want to work on your timing.”

“I topped my five minute mile.”

“You ran from the suite?”

“Almost broke my neck.”

We laughed.

Henry pushed himself to his feet. “Come on. Let’s go find Dad and tell him our news.”

I rose. “Don’t do this. You need time to think this through.”

He scrunched up his nose. “I have a feeling you’ll vastly improve on the décor.”

“Henry, this is your office now.”

“What do you see when you look around?”

“Opportunity.”

“A cell.”

“We’ll get you another. A better view.”

He lowered his chin as he looked at me.

I valued what Henry wanted above all things, and after my own struggle with this, the memory of it dragged not far behind. I’d never put him through this kind of conflict. He’d already sacrificed enough.

We both made our way back to the conference room where we found Dad, alone and staring out at the view.

As though Dad had always suspected it, he allowed Henry to gracefully back out, and as I watched my older brother resign his future over to me, there came a wave of guilt, alongside relief that finally I felt ready.

Henry left.

His expression seemed calmer.

Through the glass, I saw Mia greet him. Her comforting smile and her wave let me know she’d watch over him.