Page 182 of His Forsaken Alpha

That assumption had made him want to prove himself as more than that. And if he could prove it, perhaps he’d finally win Wilder’s respect. They’d spent years in competition, more so in Vaughn’s mind, he was sure, until they’d finally found a way to work together.

Did he really want to lose that?

“Fine,” Vaughn said. “I want the stocks and the chair—and I want you out. Hopefully the sale of the house, the other stocks, and the liquid assets will be enough to cover it, but if not, I can get a loan to cover the rest.”

The light in Wilder’s eyes dimmed. “If that’s what you truly want, so be it. I won’t allow this company to tear us apart, Vaughn. Hopefully we can see our way past it once you have what you want." He was silent a moment. “We’ll have to plan it carefully and keep it hush until the estate is managed and the house sold. Until then, I can start ccing you on everything and have you sit in on all meetings to keep you up to speed and get your input.”

Vaughn stared at his brother. “You’d seriously walk away fromeverythingyou’ve worked for and all the things we’ve got planned?” Vaughn asked. He’d expected Wilder to talk his way out of the offer, not double-down. “I don’t believe it.”

“Do you want me to put it in writing? We can walk inside now, and I’ll write my offer down and sign it right here, so you know it’s yours.”

Vaughn frowned.

“Knowing what our father… whatWardendid… makes it a little harder for me to respect his legacy. I know that we have big things ahead for J&A, but it’s all a bit tainted now,especiallyif it ends up destroying our relationship on top of it all. I’d rather have my brother than control of that.” He sighed. “I’m still young. I’m a successful CEO. I think there’s many a business in this province that might want me to lead their organization. Or hell, maybe I start my own firm. Create a brand-new family business to pass on tomychildren, one without all the dark secrets this one has.”

“It sounds like you’ve put thought into this.”

“Warden blackmailed Papa, pitting my ascendence against ensuring Jamie had comfort at the end of his life. So yeah. You’re damned right I’ve thought it over.” He took a half-step closer. “I won’t allow J&A to be used to hurt us again. If this is what you need, Vaughn, take it. It doesn’t mean what it once did to me, which means maybe youarethe best man for the job now.”

Vaughn held his brother’s gaze and knew Wilder was telling the truth. They stood at a crossroads. What he said next would take them down one of two paths. Either he spoke the truth… or he got what he always claimed he’d wanted. For some reason, he sensed the victory would ring hollow. “I’m not ready.”

Wilder’s brow furrowed.

“You’re right. Dad was right. I don’t have the experience to run the show.”

“I think you’ve proven you can. When I took time off for Avery’s trial, you covered for me. And did a great job.”

“I called Dad more than once to get his advice,” Vaughn murmured. “I didn’t tell you… because I wanted you to think itwas all me.” He chuckled. “Fake it until you make it. That’s my motto.”

“You act as if asking for advice was a bad call. It was a good one. I hate that you turned to him instead of me, but I’m glad you asked someone with working knowledge of the company to help make the right decisions.”

“I’ve only been at J&A for six years. I have a lot more I need to learn.” Vaughn frowned. “From my big brother.”

The corners of Wilder’s lips just barely curled upward. “Which means…?”

Vaughn growled. “I don’t want you to go, you bastard.”

Wilder’s smile grew. “So, we forget the ugliness of the past and turn this into a true family company, working side-by-side?”

“If you can get over thetaintof Warden’s legacy.”

“We build a new one. Together.” Wilder shoved one hand into his pocket, tapping the envelope against his thigh. “And perhaps by the time the new province’s infrastructure is complete, you’ll be ready to lead the firm there.”

Vaughn eyed Wilder. “Sadler has his sights set on you being his go-to man. He’s all but said as much.”

“We can start out with that and slowly bring you in on more and more. That gives him time to see you in action and know what you’re capable of. The more responsibilities you take over, the more he’ll see you as the leader there. A painless transition.”

As usual, Wilder always had the right answer. Vaughn’s gaze was drawn to the envelope clutched in his brother’s hand. “Are you sure you want to do this with me?”

Wilder searched his face, brow furrowing. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I had one psychopathic parent capable of ordering the other murdered. What if it’s in the genes?”

“Don’t,” Wilder said. “Don’t you fucking dare put his bullshit onyourshoulders. You’re better than that.” He chuckled. “Though Ihavecalled you a little sociopath before.”

“Oh, lovely. Just what I needed to hear.”

“Come on, you relish getting under people’s skin. Finding their buttons and pushing as hard as you can. Seehow faryou can push. That’s pretty much the definition of a sociopath.”

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