“Your sister has been a valuable asset; however, she isn’t capable of doing what is needed when the time comes.” His brow arched, and his pompous grin grew.
“The company’s reputation has been tarnished privately, even though the public image has held. The trust of the label has declined, and digital platforms and streaming prices are gaining shares. Artists are coming in at more of a cost. You saw that A&R spending to date is at three-point-eight billion, up by twenty-three percent. Gianna is the one handling the decline of European revenue and orchestrated Vibe’s takeovers. Without her, Vibe would have taken a cataclysmic loss.” He stood and went to pour himself a drink.
I had to decide and fast for Harper. Other firms had made Vibe offers to change their legal counsel. My uncle wanted to be Managing Partner, but the Board was standing with my father’s decision to make me Managing Partner and keep him and Gianna as Senior Partners. In the emergency meeting, I stated Gianna would be a better fit, but the majority of the Board didn’t agree.
“Your decision would be the end of Harper,” my uncle stated.
“The firm will still stand after the dust has settled.”
“The cost will be detrimental to the employees who have been faithful to your father. What about them?” He gulped down his drink.
I stared at him.
“I need to meet with Hollis. We will talk later, my boy.”
As he left, I looked across the river, knowing that wishing for my father’s return wouldn’t make it so. I sat at my desk, rubbing my temples, trying to soothe the pain of the never-ending headache.
I flinched at her touch.
“Sorry.”
“I didn’t hear you come in,” I said, placing my right hand over hers.
“You looked a bit tense.”
I beckoned her with my fingers to place a kiss on my lips. The solace Melody gave me was the only thing getting me through. It was unfair to ask her to stay, but I needed her there, in my home and with me. All of my business deals had been done at the house, other than the board meeting. Her presence settled me, and if I could bottle her up and keep her with me always, I would.
“Lori made lunch; you need to eat,” she said, massaging my shoulders.
I leaned back and looked up at her.
“My father wanted me to lead the company.”
She stopped kneading for a second, then continued without saying a word.
“I was going to take you to the Virgin Islands this weekend. Tell you everything about my family and why I had the type of relationship I did with my father. Before he died, he asked me to come back to work for him.” I laughed at the irony. It was as if he had been planning for the end. He seemed desperate to have me say yes, more so than the other times he’d asked.
“After a dispute with my father over a case, I decided it would be best for me to leave the firm. Graham and I were college roommates, as you know. I went to him for a job, one that was lower level, where I could keep an eye on Harper. It also helped that he sits on the Board of Directors at Harper, and I sit on his.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were a lawyer?”
I stopped her hands, took one, and turned her to sit on my lap. Then I turned my chair, so we face the river.
“I wasn’t practicing law, per se. I did oversee sales and marketing and kept my license to practice, solely to watch over Harper. That was Gianna’s legacy, and there might be a day where she can’t work. I wanted to make sure her options were always open, and she could do whatever made her happy.”
“You are a very good big brother.”
“She said I overcompensated after my mother’s death, but I couldn’t trust my father. I had seen many shoddy deals and had to take care of too many payouts to cover them up.” I moved her chin to meet her eyes. “Those articles... my father was involved in a few investments with Graham’s competitor Liam, and when he died, and his wife took over the firm, Graham was the one who helped me clear up those investments. All our financials now run through Morgan Financial Holdings, but Melody, there were many illegal deals made under the table. I am not proud of them, but I did what I had to do to make the business legit again.”
She stared at me, and I wished I could read minds. It looked as if she was about to bolt, but then she kissed me.
“That was the past, Ben. I know the man you are today. You love your family, and I am sure what was done was in your sister’s best interest.”
“It was all for her. My father fucked up, but she wasn’t going to pay. My mother was the one who settled him. She told us, he was a wild kid, always had schemes and plans, but it was her level head that kept him grounded.”
I looked into her beautiful brown eyes.
“You settle me,” I said.
She smiled. “Is that why you’ve kept me locked up?”
I frowned.
“I’m joking. I love being here. I also love you very much, Ben.”
I squeezed her tighter. “That’s good for you because I planned to keep you here forever.”
“Is that so?” Her right brow arched with a look of amusement on her face.
“In fact, it is. I am signing over the deed of my father’s estate to Gianna. She will be the lady of the manor.”
“Really?” She looked shocked.
“Gianna gave me the beach house, and we’ll divide the other properties.”
Melody nodded, still looking surprised.
“What are you thinking, Songbird?”
“It’s... all of this has been a shock, actually. I knew something was up with the paparazzi at the hospital, but looking you up and finding out exactly who I’m dating...”
“You looked me up?” I released my arms and sat up straighter.
Her eyes went wide. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t doing it to snoop... well, I wanted answers and—”
I placed my finger across her lip. “It’s fine. I should have given you the answers a while ago. I did plan to tell you. I’m sorry it wasn’t sooner. I’m surprised you hadn’t searched earlier.”
“I thought you would tell me eventually.”
I sat back, and she placed her head on my chest.
“You were right. I’ve been preoccupied.”
“Ben, it takes a lot to plan a funeral. I’m here for you and your sister, you know that.”
I kissed her forehead. “I do know that. Gianna really likes you, but I knew she would. She said that you two are having lunch next week?”
She sat up. “She sent me the contract and is going to be my legal counsel. She’s also going with me to meet with the agent over lunch. I was surprised your sister started talking business. I didn’t mention it because you have a lot going on. ”
“Duty calls, no matter who dies. Which reminds me, there’s something else I need to discuss with you.”
She pulled back with those brown eyes staring quizzically. My chest tightened at the foreign feeling inside my gut. I love this woman. She is perfect for me in every way, my flaws and all.
“Harper’s Board of Directors had a vote last night. They made me Managing Partner.”
“That’s good, right?”
“It’s the same level as a CEO.”
She absorbed that for a moment, then asked, “What about Gianna?”