Page 132 of Discretion

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Jasper said.

I was silently cheering him on, while also filled with a growing sense of unease. We’d hoped the board would be supportive, but I worried how far Jasper would take this. I worried the board might become resentful or cause trouble in the future based on how this situation was handled.

But I also knew that Jasper needed to stand his ground with the board. Relations so far had been cordial, but he was right to assert his dominance. It was time for Jasper to become the leader he was always meant to be.

Leith was halfway standing out of his chair. “You cannot simply ignore the board’s decisions because you don’t like them.”

Jasper looked to Pierce. What was going on?

Pierce spoke next. “In the event that a member of the family who is on the board is recused from voting, they can designate someone to vote by proxy for them.”

“Yes.” Leith’s tone conveyed boredom. Impatience. I’d never had a problem with him until now. “But the proxy also has to be a blood relative of the founders. And no single blood relative can vote for more than their individual share.” Meaning Knox, Nate, Sloan, and Graham were ineligible.

“I’d like to designate my proxy,” Jasper said, undaunted.

“Who? Nate’s daughter, Brooklyn?” Leith’s tone was incredulous. “She’s not old enough. Even if she were, she’s not your direct descendant. Jude is also ineligible for that reason. Since you have no children, it has to be someone at your level or above.”

“Correct. And I have someone who qualifies,” Jasper said.

There were murmurs around the room. We hadn’t discussed this, and I was racking my brain, trying to figure out who could serve as Jasper’s proxy, considering thestipulations. His parents were deceased. He had no children. And all his siblings were present and not allowed to vote beyond their shares.

The door swung open, and I blinked a few times, surprised to see the person standing there.

“Members of the board.” Jasper grinned. “I’d like to introduce my sister. Well, if you want to get technical about it, she’s my half sister.” He went over to her, giving her a hug. “Tabitha.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“To Tabitha,” Jasper said that evening, raising his glass for a toast.

Jasper’s surprise sibling dipped her head. I studied Tabitha again, thinking of all the times she’d served us on the private jet. Now that I knew she was Jasper’s half sister, I had so many questions. Had she known she was their half sibling all along? When had Jasper and the others found out? And how?Gah!

Now wasn’t the time. It was a time for celebration. For family.

After the board meeting, we’d all come up to Jasper’s penthouse to celebrate. Everyone was there—Graham and his wife, Lily. Nate, Emerson, and Brooklyn. Knox, Kendall, and Leo. Jackson, Sloan, and Evie. Jasper, Kai, Rosie, and me.

Jasper held up his champagne flute again. “And to Pierce, of course. Thank you both for saving the day.”

Pierce seemed unfazed. But Tabitha was clearly still adjusting to her new role within the family. I could relate. Like Tabitha, I’d been employed by their family. Well, fortunately, I was still their employee. But now, I was also part ofthe family. They’d welcomed me with open arms, even Graham, which had surprised me. He’d always come off as so…brooding and grumpy. But he was actually quite warm once you got to know him.

Sloan came over to me, knocking her shoulder against mine. “I just wanted to say how happy I am everything worked out like it should’ve.”

I nodded, unable to hold back my smile. “Thank you. And thank you for believing in me.”

“I always knew you were meant for bigger things. I’m excited we’ll get to work together as SVPs.”

“Me too,” I said, though I knew we’d still have some logistics to sort out. Like who would be my supervisor—not Jasper, obviously. But also, what specifically I’d oversee. “I just hope you won’t get sick of me now that we’ll not only be working together, but I’m also dating your brother.”

She laughed, giving me a side hug. “I’m pretty sure that’ll never happen. And I’m thrilled you and Jasper are together. I’ve never seen him as happy as he is now.”

I glanced over to where Jasper was standing with Knox and Graham. Sloan was right. Jasper seemed lighter than he had in months. He was exactly where he was meant to be.

Nate and Tabitha headed over to join them, Sloan going by some unspoken agreement. I hung back, letting them have their moment. I couldn’t imagine what it was like to suddenly discover you had a sibling. I assumed everyone had a lot of questions, a lot of catching up to do.

They talked for a while, and when Jackson walked over to Sloan with Evie for a feeding, I went to stand with Jasper.

“Good job today,” Graham said, hugging Jasper. I knew Graham didn’t say those words lightly, and it meant a lot to Jasper.

“Good job making enemies on the board?” Jasper joked.