Page 269 of Champagne Nights

“Yay. I’m happy you’re back.” Addison smiled as she gave me a hug.

“It’s good to see you, sis. How is everything?”

“Meh. Dad is really pissed that you took off, and he’s even more pissed that he couldn’t get a hold of you. As for Mom, she’s been her usual bitchy self-righteous self.”

I let out a laugh.

“I’m happy you think it’s funny, but I got the brunt of it for a week. Dad is unbearable at the office. How the hell do you work for him?”

“I’m used to it.”

“Well, I can’t wait until you take over. How did things go with Ellie? Judging by your jolly mood, I’d say you’ve won her back.” She grinned.

“I did. We are together as a couple, and she’s the one I’m planning on spending the rest of my life with.”

“OH MY GOD! You got engaged?”

“No.” I put my hands up. “Not yet. It’s too soon. But I do plan on asking her to be my wife at some point.”

“Well, I love her, and this makes me very happy. How are you going to tell Mom and Dad?”

“I’m not going to.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know the dinner at the country club on Friday night?”

“The one honoring Dad as the Businessman of the Year?”

“Yep. I’m bringing Ellie.”

“Oh.” A sly smile crossed her face. “I can’t wait to see their reaction to that. But do you think it’s fair to Ellie? You’re putting her in a bad and potentially embarrassing position.”

“I’ve already talked to her about it, and she knows exactly where Mom and Dad stand when it comes to her. She’s fine with it.”

“Even after Mom stalked her and destroyed her life in the middle of a café?”

“Yeah. She said she’s good with going and not to worry.”

“Well, just so you know, I have both your backs. I’ve been practicing the sign language you taught me, and I’ve been studying it online. I’m getting pretty good,” she signed. “In fact, I may stop speaking to Mom and Dad and just sign to them.”

I let out a chuckle. “You’re asking for trouble.”

“I know. Ask me if I care.” She smirked.

After kissing Ellie goodbye,I headed to the office. I already knew it was going to be a shitshow when I saw my father, and I was fully prepared. Nothing he could say or do would hurt me or piss me off. Those days were over. I held the power now.

“Welcome back, Henry.” June smiled.

“Thanks, June. Come into my office and fill me in.”

“Your father wants to see you.”

“I figured.” I sighed.

“All the paperwork you need to look over and sign for the upcoming investment deals are right over there. And Mr. Carter wants you to call him ASAP. I told him you were out of town.”

“Okay. I guess I better go see my father first and then get to work.”

---