Page 71 of When We Ignite

“But that’s not what you do. Not right now.”

“That’s right. I was voted as CEO, with our dad stepping down,” I explained.

“So Oli would be working for you?”

“Yes, but he’s sort of my advisor. I have to rely on him, which isn’t a problem. I trust him completely.”

“Then why aren’t you happy he’s working with you?”

“Because, just like I moved from CFO to CEO, Oli could do the same. Our dad has been difficult lately. We’re not on the same page regarding what we want for the company. Oli is more conservative. Much easier to manage if he decides he wants to keep calling the shots.” There it was—the segue I needed.

Ethan tilted his head, his curiosity disarming me. “Why aren’t you on the same page?”

“I want to diversify the company, invest in technology. Dad thinks it’s a mistake,” I said, the frustration seeping into my voice. This had been on my mind more than Ethan lately, and that was saying something. Oliver was usually the only person I discussed this with. I didn’t even get into it with Henry.

“I don’t get it. Your company deals with real estate—that’s the Langley business, right?”

“Exactly. We buy properties, develop them, increase their value, and generate profit.”

Ethan listened intently, absorbing every word. “So what’s tech got to do with it?”

“Diversifying is crucial for long-term success. By investing in tech, we can tap into new markets and future-proof our business,” I explained.

“It’s just like investing in properties.”

My lips twitched into a smile. “Exactly.”

Ethan’s curiosity was always endearing. It wasn’t just about me—it was his genuine need to understand.

“Then why the resistance? Everyone knows tech is the future,” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Fuck if I know,” I said absently. “My best guess is he’s scared of it.”

Ethan reached his free hand to mine, his eyes dropping down to them. The bracelet was still adorning his wrist. “He doesn’t seem like the scared type.”

“My father is like a hound with properties. He knows what’s going to turn a profit, big time. He’s always had good instincts, but he doesn’t with this. I think it scares him that he can’t sniff them out. It’s easier to stand still than risk a misstep.”

Ethan moved his thumb over my palm in a gentle motion. “But that’s why he has you. You understand it.”

The simplicity of that truth hung between us. Ethan’s hand lingered in mine. He looked at me with quiet confidence, as if he believed in me more than I believed in myself.

“Yes, but he doesn’t trust me,” I said simply.

“Why not?”

“Because we’re nothing alike. I’ve already told you why.”

“Because he doesn’t trust what he doesn’t know,” he said quickly, the words coming out like a conclusion he’d already reached.

“He knows Oli. That’s what makes me uneasy.”

“He trusted you enough to get you to where you are, though,” Ethan pointed out.

I shrugged again. “Because I’m a fucking incredible financial officer who made him a shit ton of money,” I replied with a smirk. “It’s the vision we don’t share. When I took the job, I stopped consulting him and started making decisions that he thinks stray too far from the company’s original values.”

As I spoke, the weight of where this conversation was heading settled in. I released his hand, reaching up to brush a strand of hair away from his face. He leaned into the touch, so subtly it nearly broke me.

“There’s something else that bothers him,” I continued.