Page 267 of Enthrall Shadows
My brother radiated kindness. “No other name should be on it.”
Seconds dissolved as I let that sink in. “Thank you.”
Prosperity came in many ways. Today, it found me full of gratitude to be surrounded by the best kind of people.
I’d finally be working in a skyscraper withmyname on it.
Within minutes, we’d settled into the lower chamber of the house, sealed off, the room temperature controlled to perfect the climate.
Dad was waiting for us.
His stern attitude lightened when he saw Lotte. “We met at the party.”
“That’s right,” Lotte said, relaxing.
“You’re the dominatrix?” he added.
“Dad,” I said, wanting to protect her. “Please.”
“It’s fine,” she said. “Yes, sir, that was once my profession. I’m now a therapist. I work at your other son’s office in Beverly Hills.”
“Whip his ass into shape for us, please.” Dad pulled out a chair and sat, signaling for us to sit with him.
Inwardly, I cringed. “Thank you, Dad.”
Why did parents always extract so much joy from embarrassing their offspring?
Even at this age.
Lotte took it all in stride. Her being here with us proved Dad already liked her. He’d invited her to stay for this.
I poured “Reflection” into a delicate China cup and then carried it over to the man whose appreciation meant everything to me.
“Tell me about the inspiration,” he said.
I glanced at Lotte as I returned to my seat.
Up until now, I’d not told her she’d been the reason for this formula’s existence.
She studied my face intently, her understanding drawing the truth from my soul.
I answered my dad’s question. “Reflecting on my past, I saw more clearly our way ahead.”
Charlotte’s expression showed her surprise.
My father’s assessment of the formula seemingly would take on an entirely new meaning.
Dad tipped the cup so he could observe the deep honeycomb tea as it trickled into the saucer. Taking his time, he stirred the leaves and leaned forward to inhale the aroma, breathing it in as though it was the secret nectar of life.
No reaction.
He sieved out the leaves from the tea and set them aside, then eyed them carefully as he mentally deciphered the recipe. Finally, he lifted the cup to his lips again and took a sip.
Then another, still expressionless.
The silence was deafening.
Sitting back, I realized I didn’t care anymore. Not really. Because this was my company. Though I wanted to make him proud—make them all proud.
