Chapter 3

Adam

Striding past my doors with a smile on my face, Greta my secretary stood up the moment she saw me.

"Good morning, sir." She greets.

"Good morning to you too," I replied. "What's on my itinerary today?"

"You have a bunch of meetings; one with the TechGiants, PharmcoOil, Titan...all within the span of this morning, then you have a couple of phone calls." She read off her handheld tablet and I could feel the smile drain away.

I sighed, moving my briefcase to the other side while I walked towards my office.

I could feel Greta hovering in my periphery. I half turned with a hand on my door, "What is it?"

"A message for you, sir." She looked uncomfortable, handing the envelope to me.

I grabbed it and pushed the doors in, allowing it to automatically lock behind me.

Jerking open the sealed envelope, a piece of material floated down and I chuckled when I realized what it was.

A pair of lacy red panties, from Elena it seems.

Poking my head out the door, I instructed Greta to fetch something from Tiffany's to gift to Elena before I settled down to work.

I might be known over all of New York as a playboy, changing different women as I pleased but when it comes to my business, I was ruthless and strict.

That's how I've been able to keep in business for so long.

That, and I've always wanted my father's admiration. His constant need for approval was grating, but I quickly realized I had to suck up or else, he would hand it over to José.

I, as his son, had the sole right to his company whenever he chose to retire, but when José came along- a surprise from the woman my father was sleeping with at the time- my father grew a conscience, casually stating it would be dedicated between us.

But the crazy thing was, even now after the press release of Grey Young retiring, he still hadn't informed us who would take over the company.

I was on pins and needles, even more strung out than usual.

Just as I was reviewing some files my phone buzzed with a message from George.

George is my father's long-standing PA and friend.

It simply read:

Your father called for a meeting.

Be here in 30.

Don't be late.

It's about damn time!

I knew it was about his company, which made me close down my computer.

The good thing about being in business with your father is that his office building isn't too far from yours.

I tell Greta I'm leaving, taking my private route down to the garage.

In ten minutes tops, I arrived at my father's building.

A man was waiting for me downstairs, ready to show me into his office.

"Thank you," I murmured to the guard's retreating.

My father didn't turn around at the sound of my voice, instead, he kept looking out the floor-to-ceiling window that gave him the best view of New York.

He was wearing his powder blue suit which was custom-made to fit his wide frame.

Only when the door opened to reveal José, my half brother did Grey Young turn around to look at me for the first time.

He looked every bit the distinguished gentleman of the upper class, with his expensive designer watch and loafers, to his salt and pepper hairdo.

"Please sit down," he boomed, taking his seat at the helm.

I took the first seat, eyeing José warily as I wondered why he was there.

Like Grey could read my mind, he leaned forward steepling his fingers. "This has been a long time in coming and I'm sure you're wondering why you both are seated here." Taking a deep breath, he grabbed a hold of two files and tossed them to us.

Standing up, he thrust a hand into his pockets and paced. "You see, I've waited this long because I thought that one of you would be sensible and settle down on time giving me heirs...but no! You both are content to swing your dick around."

My eyes dart over what looks to be a written will and contract. They widened the more I read.

"Dad, what-" I started to say but was cut off.

"In there are my conditions. You both have the space of a year to get married. The first person to do so gets my company and if not," he shrugged carelessly. "Then it goes to charity."

I was the first to burst out, stunned by this madness. "What is the meaning of this? Why do I ha...have to share my birthright with him and under a fucking stipulation?!"

"You only have that stipulation because I gave birth to you, so stop whining and accomplish something meaningful for once in your life!" He says sternly, glaring at me.

I started to think fast on my feet.

What could I do?

It didn't seem like Dad was bluffing or joking around about this, which is fucking strange.

I'd heard of mothers having baby fever, but certainly not fathers.

"Do you have anything to contribute or are you going to keep staring at the paper like you'll never see it again?" Dad glanced at Jose, who was poring over the details of the folder.

Straightening his shoulders, he glanced at me and I could detect a fierce look in his eyes which said he would do anything to win this before speaking to my father. "That won't be a problem, sir."

Dad leaned forward, a curious gleam in his eyes. "And why is that?"

"Because I already have a girlfriend whom I love so much, I'm sure proposing to her won't be a hardship," Jose said, and he even smiled.

My father looked excited at the news, leaning back in his chair after chuckling delightedly.

"Seems like we already have a winner!" He clinked glass with Jose.

I ground my teeth.

Hard.

Over my fucking dead body!