Page 127 of The Last Goodbye

Before dozens of tears were falling.

“This is not how we do business, and last I checked, I’m a partner, as is my mother,” Denton said. “And the choices you are making are appalling. Lying to the people we do business with is not a good look. Word travels fast, Dad. And we both know the lengths you’ll go to for appearances, don’t we?”

I had no idea what he was talking about.

My head was spinning.

“Are you threatening me?” My father stepped closer, but Denton stood his ground.

“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?” my brother said.

“Be careful, son. You don’t want to play with me when it comes to business.”

“Let’s go, Briar.” Denton motioned for me to get up, and we walked out the door.

We took the elevator down to the ground floor and didn’t speak a word.

“I can’t believe this,” I whispered when the elevator came to a stop. “Bass is never going to forgive me. He’s going to think I was in on it, because it looks like I was.”

“I’ve been working for this company for a long time. I’ve learned a thing or two about making my point with our father.” He held the door open for me, and we both stepped off. “Come on. There’s something I need to show you.”

We walked the short distance to Denton’s penthouse apartment a few blocks away. Jessica greeted us, and he filled her in on what had transpired.

Bass continued to call and text me, so I was forced to turn my phone off.

What could I say right now?

I needed a plan, and then I’d speak to him face-to-face.

Jessica poured us each a glass of wine, and my brother disappeared down the hallway.

“I’m sorry, Briar. He’s done this to Denton before, and they’ve had some pretty big blowouts about the way he runs the company. Denton was really hoping that once you became partner, the two of you could join forces and start making a difference.” She guided me to the couch, and I took a sip of my wine before setting the glass down on a coaster on their marble coffee table.

Their home was modern and chic, very elegant. Jessica had brought a lot of warmth into the place with plants and artwork and area rugs, along with Gracie’s friend Johnny, who’d made it a home.

“I wanted that as well. But how do I work for a company when I don’t respect the way that they do business?” I asked.

She shrugged, just as Denton came down the hallway, holding a large manila envelope in his hand. Jessica’s eyes widened, and I looked between them.

“What’s going on?”

“Fuck,” Denton said. “I swear to you, this is not something I ever wanted to show you. But this is the leverage that you need to get what you want, and if you are in this family, you’re going to have to start playing dirty to survive, Briar. Or you can use what I’m giving you in whatever way you want, and I will support you.”

“You’re making me nervous,” I said. I took another sip of my wine.

“I found this envelope a few months ago, hidden somewhere that no one was ever supposed to see it. I don’t think Dad knows that it’s missing.” Denton handed me the envelope. “I haven’t read the letters inside, since they’re from your mother, but I did check the dates, and some of the letters were sent after you were born. I feel confident that Dad knew he had a daughter but lied to everyone once you’d found him, to save face. I mean, the asshole is doing interviews about being father of the year, and how he’s been robbed of years with his child—all while knowing the truth the whole time. I’m not positive, Briar, because I haven’t read them. They weren’t mine to read. But the fact that they’re dated from before you were born and then after you were born tells me all I need to know.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you found these?” I asked, my voice wobbly and strained. Talking over the large lump lodged there was difficult.

“Because I knew that it would hurt you. But you know who he is now, and you deserve the truth.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t come to you right away. You were so happy about him signing off on this big project in Blue Sky Bay, and the last thing I wanted to do was cause you any pain. But I realize now that he isn’t going to change, and you should know who you’re dealing with and use this to leverage what you need. Sadly, it’s what he responds to.”

I rubbed my temples, feeling completely overwhelmed by the last twenty-four hours.

I stood up and tucked the envelope beneath my arm. “I need to process this. And I need to read these letters, but I have to do it alone.”

“Okay. I understand. But Briar, we’re family, and I’m always going to be there for you. So if you need me, just say the word. You don’t have to do this alone.” He stood and wrapped his arms around me. “I love you, sis.”

I love you, sis.