“We have to be strategic. You have the upper hand.” Oliver tells me. I pinch the bridge of my nose as I sit.
“I need to think. I’ll call you if I need you.” His cue to leave.
I have a lot to think about. This new information does change everything. I find myself needing Ava closer. I don’t want her out of my sight. My father is a ruthless man. Business comes before everything, including his family. His deal with Cillian was broken because Fiona didn’t want anything to do with the families after the debacle. She got on a plane and was not heard from, at least until now. But she has always had her own agenda. Something must have changed for her. If she is back, she wants something. I page Becky.
“Becky, have Ava moved to my office immediately.”
“Right away, Mr. Manarch.”
I am not giving her up and definitely not marrying Fiona. My father isn’t going to dictate who I marry. He isn’t controlling my life as when I was a boy. I allowed him to interfere once for the sake of the business. I won’t make that mistake again.
“You are allowing him to manipulate you.”
“You will do as I say. One day you will be the head of this family. Sacrifices need to be made. What you want is irrelevant.”
“You have to see he is playing you.”
“I know what he is doing. Do you take me for a fool? You keep your enemies closer than your friends. You will marry his daughter. We will have the upper hand.”
“There are other ways.”
“My word is final. You will marry Fiona McIntyre.”
If I go against my father it will mean I have to face the consequences of my actions. He always has the last word. I don’t fear him. I am just concerned for the people who will be caught in the middle. But I will not stand by and let him do as he pleases. He will not tell me how to live my life.
“Mr. Manarch,” Becky interrupts.
“What is it?” She is worried.
“It’s Ms. O’Brien.” I stand ready to act.
“What about Ava?”
“She is gone.”
“What do you mean she is gone?”
“As in, she isn’t anywhere to be found.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ava
It’s been a few hours. I’m going absolutely crazy. I haven’t found anything online and this place is weirdly quiet. I find it hard to concentrate. Maybe staying at the house might have been a better choice. But I have to admit the view in this office is amazing. The skyline is beautiful. It’s a perfect sunny day. My phone rings. I get it out of my bag. The screen reads Dad.
“Hi Dad.” I greet.
“Hi Pumpkin. Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“Not at all.” His voice sounds weird, muffled almost. “Why aren’t you at work?”
“Called in sick.”
“Are you ok?”
“I am fine. Enough about me. How are you? How is the Manarch boy treating you?” There is an edge to his voice I don’t recognize.
“I’m fine, Dad. Viktor treats me well. What’s going on? Where are you?” Instinctively I put my things inside my bag. I can’t explain it but I know something is wrong. There is a long silence. “Daddy, talk to me.”