I feel my jaw jut out as I clench my teeth. I hate that he’s taking this route to win. He’s cursed out too many of the board members to be a real option anyway. He can try to change his appearance, but he can’t change a lot of things that make him who he is.
And honestly, I thank God for that.
“What did you want?” I ask.
He runs an anxious hand through his hair. I notice dark circles under his eyes, like he hasn’t slept much. “Have you seen Dad’s text?” I realize he’s grasping his cellphone in a fist.
My brows knot in confusion, and I pull my cell from my pocket. I set it on silent for the event. With one click, I scroll through all the missed messages.
New standings. Maybe this will put a fire under your asses tonight. – Dad
I skim all four texts, sent almost at the same time.
Lily Calloway: the board thinks you’re still too quiet. And since Maximoff’s birth, you’ve become aloof and disinterested. 4 out of 14 board members approve. – Dad
I look over my shoulder. Lingering by the chocolate fountain, Lily snacks on cheese cubes with a toothpick. I’d feel guiltier by leaving her alone if she didn’t have this silly grin on her face. She’s absorbed in her new smart phone—social media, I’m pretty damn sure.
I’m happy that it’s making her happy and not the inverse for once.
I try to let out a breath. She’s out of the running. She won’t go out of her way to try either. It’s less pressure on me. It makes this easier.
I swallow hard and continue reading.
Loren Hale: everyone is overall impressed （as they should be）。 They find you charming, likeable and tough. The few that had problems with me are still hesitant on committing to you. 11 out of 14 love you. – Dad
How do I even convince these last three to like me? I’m so much like my dad. I internally grimace as I contemplate different avenues. I try to block them out before I read on.
Ryke Meadows: you’ve vastly improved. You’re approachable and show willingness to change. The majority believe you’d be a strong leader for the company. 11 out of 14 love you. – Dad
My stomach sinks and cold bites my neck. I’d counted my brother out for the past month. I go rigid, not able to say anything. My eyes hit the screen again.
Daisy Calloway: you’ve shown maturity and seem genuinely interested in the company. You’re also beyond personable with great energy and enthusiasm. 13 of the 14 love you. Irene hesitates to have you as CEO. She thinks you’re too wild and young. Find a way to please her, and the company is yours. Congratulations. – Dad
Now I understand why Ryke rushed over to me. A worse outcome than Ryke taking over the company would be Daisy. My brother’s features are hard as rock.
“This can’t fucking happen.” He points at my phone.
I pocket my cell. “What you’re feeling now is self-inflicted,” I shoot back. “You can end this—”
“Fucking stop,” he growls lowly.
I shake my head. “All you have to do is tell her. Just say it, bro. You’d rather the position go to me than her.” He thinks he’s subjecting me to hell, but he’s not. It’s not unbearable. This is where I was always supposed to be.
“I can’t fucking choose her over you, or vice versa.” Darkness sweeps over his face like a passing storm.
It’s like this is a sin he refuses to commit. “It’s not a sin,” I tell him outright. “I’m not going to hate you for choosing a better life for the girl you love. I’m not that fucking guy.” Not anymore.
He stays silent, his muscles constricted.
So I lick my lips and add, “Let’s do this together. You and me, like we were supposed to do from the beginning. It’ll be a fair fight. We’re even right now. Just get Daisy the hell out of this.” And then I’ll find a way to win. There is no way that I’ll let my brother live this kind of life. It’s not even remotely something he’d want.
He’s just too selfless to let me have it without a fight.
Ryke opens and closes his fists. Even when he’s in deep contemplation, he looks aggressive. After a long moment, he says, “Fuck.” He lets out a pained laugh. “She’s not even a Hale.”
“Neither are you.”
His face contorts in a cringe. “Don’t justify what you’re doing, Lo.”
I grit my teeth. “I’m just stating a goddamn fact. Another fact—she’s beating our asses. So unless she self-sabotages, she’s going to be handed the company. You and I both know that’s a darker fucking world for her than it would be for us.”