Page 1 of Lucas

Chapter One

LUCAS

“An orgy, Lucas? Have you completely lost your mind? And there’s a photo, too!” Dad raises his head from the newspaper and straightens in his leather armchair. He waves the paper at me, the pages crinkling.

“It wasn’t an orgy, Dad. They’re exaggerating. And it happened in Hong Kong. No one cares what goes on there.” I stand from the plush couch and take the newspaper from his grip to glance at it.

There’s a picture of me at some exclusive sky bar, arms wrapped around the slim waists of two stunning international models, one a blonde and the other a brunette. We’re all impeccably dressed, me in a ten-thousand-dollar custom-tailored Brioni tuxedo, them in haute couture cocktail dresses dripping with crystals. I fail to see the issue here.No one is naked.

I toss the newspaper onto the coffee table. The high-profile construction project in Hong Kong definitely took some...fascinating turns over those few nights I spent there. But there was no orgy, despite what the tabloids claim. What an exaggeration.

Shaking my head, I walk over to the expansive picture window overlooking the backyard, watching as our pool boy rakes errant leaves from the shimmering turquoise water with a long telescoping pole, his effort creating mesmerizing ripples across the surface.

Behind me, my sister Cora lets out an amused laugh while flipping through the latest issue of Vogue Paris. I turn and shoot her an irritated glare, but she appears unfazed, not even glancing up from the glossy pages.

Dad grumbles. “You may think that way, but the board definitely cares. They have ears everywhere, and they certainly don’t enjoy seeing these kinds of articles about you. I’ve already heard rumblings that some don’t think you’re fit to run the real estate division anymore. There’s talk of replacing you.”

I scowl and cross my arms. “I don’t give a damn what they think.”

“Maybe you don’t, but I do,” Dad says, his brow furrowed.

I turn and fix my gaze on him, trying to keep my growing anger in check. I hate this old-school work ethic.

“The company’s profits are the highest they’ve ever been under my leadership, and I’m not going anywhere. They have no legitimate reason to oust me.”

“No, but I need to stand in front of the board and justify why you’re the best person to replace me as CEO once Iretire. And I can’t very well do that when you keep appearing in the newspapers in such an unflattering light,” Dad says, punctuating his words by rapping his knuckles against the armrest.

I freeze, certain I must have misheard. “Replace you?”

“Yes. I’ve been contemplating it for a while now. I’m not getting any younger, and with your mother gone, it’s time. Time for me to step back from the company and time for you to step up. You’re the most qualified to take over, to ensure Valeur remains in the family’s hands.”

I sink back down onto the couch, my head spinning. Funny how I wasn’t even on the shortlist back when Logan was being groomed for this. But now that he’s fucked off to play Silicon Valley startup founder, suddenly I’m the man for the job? Typical.

Speaking of my dear brother...“Where is Logan? Does he know about your succession plans?”

“Logan’s in London again with Sloane. What the hell they have to do over there all the time is beyond me,” Dad says with a shake of his head. “He hasn’t even launched his startup yet, and they’re already constantly traveling for it. He needs to focus on building the business here at home first before expanding overseas.”

“They have important business contacts in London, Dad,” Cora says. Then she leans over to me and adds in a conspiratorial whisper, “Also, personal reasons. They first met there, and I’m sure they enjoy reliving old memories. It’s so romantic. I heard the London Eye is amazing for dates.” She winks.

Yuck. I hope to God she’s not implying what I think she is. And the London Eye? Really? What the hell is Loganthinking, behaving like a smitten honeymooner when he has a new company to start?

“Anyway,” Dad says, “Logan made his choice when he retired and went to start his own company rather than work his way up here. He doesn’t want the responsibility of running Valeur Enterprises.” Dad fixes his stern gaze on Cora, who just rolls her eyes. “And your brother Liam was only just appointed to take over Valeur Tech in Logan’s place. He needs time to gain more experience—he’s still too green.”

“And since Cora has made it clear she’s not interested in the position either, that leaves me as the last man standing,” I say, not bothering to hide my bitterness. “How nice to know I’m the last resort. Really makes me feel valued.”

Cora gets up from her chair, magazine falling forgotten to the floor. “I think this occasion calls for some tea. I know I need it if we’re going to keep discussing the future of the company.”

“Great idea. I’ll come help you.” I rise to my feet, eager to escape this uncomfortable conversation.

“Sit back down, Lucas. We’re not finished here,” Dad commands, pointing a stiff finger at the couch.

With a groan, I collapse back onto the cushions in resignation. So much for that plan.

“You’re an excellent executive, Lucas, but you’re behaving irresponsibly. And now that your sister is out of the room, I can speak frankly. It would help if you at least appeared to be more serious about the role. You only think with your dick. That might have flown when you were younger, but you’re nearly thirty-four. You’re not a kid anymore, yet you still act like one.”

I scoff. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.” I’m a way better fuck now than I was at twenty. No one’s complaining.

“Lucas, you know I don’t usually interfere in my children’s personal lives?—”