Page 76 of Trapped for Christmas

“And what about the clients you manage personally?”

That was a good point. Ethan managed the personal wealth of all of them, although the rest of them combined were dwarfed by Sebastian.

“I have some recommendations I can pass on to you, but you’re also welcome to go elsewhere without the usual penalties.”

Sebastian leaned forward. “You think I’d trust someone else to look after my interests?”

“I have to do this,” said Ethan, his voice showing a flicker of emotion for the first time.

“You’ll retain the five of us as your personal clients, and I won’t start digging into what’s going on here.”

“I would appreciate it if you could respect my privacy.”

“I will, if you agree.”

“There’s no reason for us to meet in New York?”

“No,” said Sebastian, leaning back. “Do we have a deal?”

Ethan stood and held his hand out to Sebastian, who also stood and shook it.

“Will you still be at the New Year’s Eve party?” asked Sebastian. “I know Charlie will be upset if he doesn’t get to say goodbye.”

Mason knew Sebastian was being underhanded here. You didn’t upset Charlie.

“Of course I’ll be there. I have some other matters to deal with. I’ll see you all in a few days.”

“Ethan,” said Max, speaking for the first time.

He turned around, looking at Max, his exterior calm again.

“You’re still coming to our wedding, aren’t you?”

Ethan hesitated before he said two words that changed everything.

“I’ll try.”

Mason walked into the house, still uneasy about Ethan. Sebastian had left after him, leaving the rest of them to discuss what had happened. Ryder and Max were convinced it had something to do with Simmons; otherwise, why did he imply he didn’t want to come back to New York? Mason and Deacon thought it was related to Ethan’s father, who was the current CEO of Lang Capital.

Before the meeting with Ethan, Sebastian had confirmed that the Delaune matter was dealt with. The entire family was not allowed at Epicure anymore. Their ban would not be made public, nor would the video of their obnoxious daughter, provided they didn’t slander Mason, Zeb, or anyone else in their group. The clincher was Sebastian threatening to pull the fifty million he had invested in the Delaune business.

Mason noticed a smell he’d never experienced in his home before; food was burning. He rushed toward the kitchen and then couldn’t stop himself from smiling. Zeb was tipping something that resembled charcoaled cookies into the sink.

“Need some help?”

Zeb startled before looking down, embarrassed. That wouldn’t do at all. He walked over to Zeb and pulled him into a hug, kissing the top of his head. Mason loved how Zeb fitted perfectly in his arms.

“I didn’t think you’d be back this quickly. I wanted to surprise you.”

“And you’ve achieved that.”

Zeb looked at him with a scowl. Mason kissed him and smiled.

“I love it when you pout.”

“Don’t make fun of me.”

“I’m not. I can teach you to bake if that’s what you want to do.”