Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“I can’t,” I choke out. “Work is busy during that time. Maybe after the first of the year. I have to go.”
Without waiting for him to respond, I click End on the call and throw my phone on the desk. Then, with my face in my hands, I let out a cathartic sob, allowing myself a moment of vulnerability before I slip my shield back on.
“So, any chance of you moving back to Texas?” Paige asks just before she snatches up a piece of sushi and pops it into her mouth.
“And why would I do that?” I ask, taking a bite of my food.
Once she’s done chewing, she washes it down with a sip of sake and then leans in. “Um, because the owner and CEO of Kingston Limited, who just so happens to be your father, has announced he’s retiring at the end of the year. I figured that was why he called you.”
Despite choosing to use my mother’s maiden name, Webb, so I wouldn’t have people thinking I was using his name to get further in the business world, I’ve allowed one person to know who I really am—Paige. It took a while before I completely let her in, but I knew she’d never tell a soul.
“He what?” I gasp, having no damn clue what she’s talking about.
“He didn’t tell you?” Her brows pinch together in confusion.
“No! Are you sure?”
The man I know would never step down. He lives and breathes Kingston Limited.
I pull my phone out and do a search, and sure enough, the first article that pops up is about him announcing his retirement. As I scan the words, I can’t believe what I’m seeing, but more than that …
“He didn’t tell me,” I whisper, trying and failing to tamp down my emotions.
According to this article, before he retires, he’ll be appointing a new CEO to take his place and run Kingston Limited.
Paige’s features soften, but I don’t want her sympathy. What I want is to know why my father wouldn’t even mention to his daughter, who grew up in the liquor industry and has worked in it for years, that he’s stepping down.
“I need to get out of here,” I tell her, standing abruptly.
“Go. I’ve got this,” she says.
“Thanks,” I mutter, slinging my purse over my shoulder and then stalking out of the restaurant.
Instead of going back to work, I head straight home, not even bothering to let anyone know.
Once I’m there, I waste no time in calling my dad, who answers on the first ring.
“Anastasia, is everything okay?”
Of course he’d ask that. Because I haven’t called him since my mom passed away—he’s always the one who reaches out.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you’re stepping down?” I ask, getting straight to the point.
“We never discuss business.”
“By your choice!”
“Yes, because that business destroyed my family. Why would I talk about it when we could be talking about you? Working on our relationship?”
“That business is you,” I point out. “When I was a little girl, I practically grew up there. I used to hang out in the conference rooms and pretend I was an employee. The only reason I stopped going was because you stopped paying attention to me.”
“Anastasia,” he breathes. “I’m sor—”
“Is it because you think I’m incapable?” I ask, cutting him off. “I have a degree in business! An MBA! I’ve lived and breathed the liquor industry my entire life. Why?” I cry out, realizing how hurt I am by his actions. “Why am I not good enough to work for Kingston?”
“No, Anastasia, that’s not it,” Dad says, sounding almost choked up. “I didn’t even think you’d want to work for me. You ran across the pond six years ago, and I haven’t seen you since. I can’t even convince you to come home to visit. But also …” He clears his throat. “And please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not sure you’d be a good fit as CEO of Kingston.”
“What? Why?” I ask, taken aback by the change in direction of the conversation.
“Despite the issues we’ve had over the years, I’ve made it a point to portray myself as a family man. People judge liquor companies. And because of that, I feel it’s best I hire someone who’s more family oriented.”
I can’t help the scoff that bursts out.
“I know,” Dad says. “I was great at being the face of the company, but not so great at the behind the scenes. And because of that, I want to make some changes. I’d like to see the company go in a different direction. Picnics, family-friendly events, maternity leave. Selene suggested putting in a day care for the employees who have babies that aren’t school age.
“I’m hoping to hire someone who has a family and can help with this transition. I don’t want whoever takes my place to make the same mistakes I made. To put the business above his or her family. And if I were to hire you, I fear you wouldn’t find love. You’d be too busy trying to take the company to the next level, and I want more for you, Anastasia.”